A restraining order can:
- Order the abuser not to harass, attack, hit, threaten, sexually assault, telephone the victim, disturb the victim’s peace, or contact the victim in any way.
- Order the abuser to stay a certain distance away from the victim, and the victim’s home, work, or school.
- Order the abuser to move out of the victim’s home regardless of who is on the lease or who holds title to the property.
- Make custody, visitation and child support orders.
- Give the victim use and control of shared property, such as furniture or a car.
- Order the abuser to pay the victim’s attorney’s fees and costs.
- Order the abuser to pay any expenses caused by recent violence, such as medical or hospital bills, temporary housing or damaged property.
- Order the abuser to get counseling.
- Order the abuser to turn over any firearms he has and prohibit him from legally possessing any other firearms for as long as the restraining order is in effect.
A restraining order can’t:
- Guarantee the victim’s personal safety.
- Guarantee the abuser will not still be able to intimidate or scare the victim.
- Guarantee the safety and well-being of the victim’s children.
- Give the victim permanent use and control of property belonging to the abuser.
- Guarantee the abuser will be out of the victim’s life.
- Guarantee the abuser will not destroy property that may be irreplaceable, such as photos or family treasures.
- “Cure” the abuser.
- Prevent the abuser from getting a gun illegally.
- Act as a bulletproof shield.
©1998-2005 Break the Cycle. All Rights Reserved.