Can a victim of domestic abuse get a restraining order against someone who is not a family member?

Yes, in California, a victim of domestic abuse can get a restraining order against someone who is not a family member. Victims of domestic abuse may seek a civil restraining order, also called a “stay away” order or “protective order”. A civil restraining order is a court order designed to protect a person from unwanted contact and abuse. It can prohibit the perpetrator from contacting, harassing, or calling the victim. It can also require the perpetrator to stay away from the victim’s home, school, or workplace. In California, any adult or minor who has experienced or is at risk of experiencing abuse and who has a reasonable fear of continued abuse can file for a restraining order against someone who is not a family member. This is true even if the perpetrator and victim never shared a residence or had an intimate relationship, such as a dating relationship. To apply for a restraining order, the victim must fill out the Application for a Restraining Order Form located on the California Courts website. After the form is completed, it must be taken to the court clerk’s office for filing. The clerk will provide the victim with the necessary paperwork for service on the person against whom the restraining order is sought. Once the paperwork is returned to the court, a hearing date will be set. In short, victims of domestic abuse in California can seek a civil restraining order against someone who is not a family member. The process of applying for a restraining order includes filling out the appropriate paperwork and setting a hearing date with the court. The requested restraining order can help to protect the victim from any further harm.

Can a victim of domestic abuse get a restraining order against someone who is not a family member?

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