A protective order can prohibit or limit an abuser from interacting with you in instances of family violence, sexual assault, human trafficking, or stalking.
If you believe a protective order might be right for your situation, this page will help you get started.
What is a protective order?
A protective order is a set of legal rules issued by a judge that prohibits or limits how one person interacts with another person.
A protective order can:
- Provide protection and prohibit an abuser from communicating with you in a threatening or harassing manner.
- Provide a 200-yard stay away from your residence, work, school, or daycare.
- Prohibit the abuser from owning or possessing a firearm.
A judge will ultimately decide how long the order lasts but in most cases they’re in place for two years.
Breaking the terms of a protective order can carry serious legal consequences including fines and jail time.
Protective orders can be issued to any person who has been the victim of family violence, stalking, sexual assault, and/or trafficking, regardless of their citizenship or legal status.
According to the National Institute of Justice, protective orders are as much as 80% effective in reducing future violence.
Getting a protective order is free.
To get a Protective Order issued in Travis County, the act(s) of violence must have happened in the county or the victim or their abuser must live in the county.
When can a protective order help me?
There a several types of protective orders. Select the one that bests fits your situation:
