How can a victim of domestic abuse obtain a restraining order without involving the police?

In Virginia, a victim of domestic abuse may obtain a restraining order without involving the police by filing a petition in the circuit court or in the district or county court in the jurisdiction where the petitioner lives. The petitioner must provide the court with a sworn statement indicating the specific facts and instances of abuse they’ve faced. The petitioner must also provide the court with the name and address of the abuser. After the court reviews the petition, they may then issue a restraining order. The restraining order is a court order that prohibits the abuser from certain activities such as causing physical harm or making contact with the victim. Once the court issues the order, they will also provide the abuser with notice of the order’s existence as well as its terms. They will also inform the abuser of the consequences of violating the order. The court will also provide the petitioner with a copy of the order, which the petitioner can then present to the police in the event that the abuser does violate the order. If the abuser does violate the order, the police may then take action to enforce the order. It is important to note that a restraining order is not the same as a criminal charge. It simply allows the court to take necessary action to protect the victim from further harm or contact. However, if the abuser continues to violate the order, they may face criminal penalties.

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How can a victim of domestic abuse obtain a restraining order without involving the police?

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