Getting Protection Orders

By: Ohio State Legal Services Association's Domestic Violence Resource Center

As a victim of domestic violence or stalking, you have the right to get a protection order from the court demanding that the person harassing or abusing you stop doing so or be punished by the Court. These are the different types of protection orders you can get:

A temporary protection order. This order can only be issued when criminal charges for domestic violence or stalking are filed against the person abusing or harassing you. This order will only last while the criminal case is before the Court. To find out more information on how to get a temporary protection order, contact the prosecutor's office for your city.

A civil protection order. This order can be issued at any time (even when criminal charges have not been filed), can last up to five years, and is used when the abusive person is a member of your family or living with you. If this is what you want, click here.

A stalking protection order. This order can also be issued at any time and can be used when the person harassing or abusing you is a total stranger. If this what you want, click here.