What is a restraining order?

A restraining order is a court order that legally requires one person to stay away from or limit contact with another person. In North Carolina, these orders are often referred to as Domestic Violence Protective Orders (DVPOs). Restraining orders are issued in family law cases when someone is being threatened or abused by another individual. A restraining order prohibits the person from engaging in certain activities such as direct or indirect contact with the protected person, entering the protected person’s residence or workplace, or even possessing a weapon. Generally, the court orders the abuser to stay away from the applicant and any protected person listed on the order for a specific period of time. Additionally, the court might also order the abuser to obtain drug and alcohol treatment or counseling, or to pay court-ordered support. Violating a restraining order is a criminal offense and the abuser could be subject to arrest. Restraining orders can be a useful tool for people who are facing the threat of abuse or harm from someone they know, such as a family member or an intimate partner. It is important to understand that a restraining order is not a guarantee of safety. It is a legal document with the full force of law, but it is just one tool to help protect someone from abuse.

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