The Abuse Prevention Act, or chapter 209A., has been enacted to help protect relationships. An order to stop abuse can be obtained at any time, day or night. Contact your local battered womeri's shelter, police department, or district court.

WHAT IS ABUSE?

According to the 209A law, the definition of abuse is as follows: "The occurrence of one or more of the following acts between family or persons engaged in a substantive dating relationship: a) attempting to cause or causing physical harm; b) placing another in fear of imminent serious physical harm; c) causing another to engage in sexual relations by force, threat or duress."

Domestic violence and sexual assault are acts of violence, power, and control. The abuser and the abused person can be of any age, race, sex, religion or economic status.

WHAT IS A RESTRAINING ORDER?

A restraining order is issued by the court ordering an abuser to obey one or more of the following:

No Abuse:

Your abuser cannot hit you, threaten you, or verbally abuse you.

No Contact:

Your abuser cannot contact you in person, by phone, or third person wherever you go.

Vacate Order:

Your abuser has to leave and remain away from your residence.

Temporary Custody Order:

Victim is granted temporary custody order.

Other:

Your abuser may be ordered to hand over house keys, car keys, to stay away from children's school or daycare, etc.

Any one or all of the above orders may be obtained for up to one year.

HOW DOES ONE OBTAIN PROTECTION?

• Protection can be obtained at any time, day or night. If a woman needs protection after court is closed the police will contact an on-call judge, and the order will be issued.
• During the day, if you are not in immediate danger, you should go to your local district court to obtain an order. Most courthouses will have people from local agencies there who can assist you.

FOR MORE INFORMATION, CALL:

Alternative House:
1-888-291-6228 (tollfree)
Tell the person answering that you need a restraining order.