There are many ways for intimate partner and domestic violence survivors to seek support. One way is with a Domestic Violence Restraining Order (DVRO). A DVRO is a protective tool that can be used by victims or survivors of domestic violence, intimate partner violence, family violence, and dating relationship violence.
What is a DVRO?
A Domestic Violence Restraining Order (DVRO) is a court order designed to protect a victim and their children from harm or harassment by ordering that the restrained person not contact the protected parties and stay away from the victim’s home, workplace, or school, among other orders.
Who can get a DVRO?
- Married or Former Spouse
- Past or Present Dating Relationship
- Family Members to “the second degree” (by blood, marriage or adoption): grandparents, parents, children, grandchildren and siblings
- Registered Domestic Partner or Former Registered Domestic Partner
- Cohabitant or Former Cohabitant (Not Merely a Roommate)
- Parties With Children in Common
What can a DVRO do?
A DVRO can include protections such as:
- No contact
- Not harass, stalk, threaten or harm people protected by the order
- Stay away by a certain distance
- Move out from a home that is shared with the protected person
- Not have guns, firearms, ammunition, or body armor
- Pay spousal support, if you are married
- Pay child support, if you have children together
- Pet custody
- Attend batterer’s treatment program
- Cover attorney fees
What are the steps to getting a DVRO?
- Step 1: Determine the correct courthouse for you
- Step 2: Get the “Request for Domestic Violence Restraining Order” application and complete the forms
- Step 3: Submit the completed forms
- Step 4: Judge reviews your documents
- Step 5: Pick up completed forms, mark your calendar with the hearing date
- Step 6: Attend hearing
- Step 7: File the DVRO
- Step 8: Distribute copies of DVRO
How to collect evidence for a DVRO
If it is safe to do so, you can gather evidence before you file, but you can also begin to collect evidence after filing. Keep a record of each incident, take photos of injuries and property damage (note who took them and what time), and store all evidence in a secure location.
For more information on collecting evidence, visit WomensLaw.org.
Who can help me get a DVRO?
There are people who want to help and support you! Below are some organizations that can help.
What to expect when you reach out to a hotline
- Answer some basic questions about who you are and what you are going through
- Get connected to a trained counselor who will listen to you without judgement
- All of your messages are anonymous, and you can share as much or as little as you like
- Receive individual support. You can hang up or end the chat at any point.
- If there is a wait, try a calming exercise to help you breathe and focus.
Be proud of yourself! Asking for help is courageous and powerful.
