What is a restraining order?

A restraining order is a legal order issued by a court that requires one person to stay away from and have no contact with another person or place. In Washington, a restraining order is also known as a protection order or an anti-harassment order. A restraining order is used to protect a person from being abused, threatened, or stalked. Restraining orders can be requested by a person, or their attorney, and must be approved by a judge. Depending on the type of protection order needing to be issued, the judge can order that the respondent either stay away from the petitioner or not harass, contact, or interfere with the petitioner. If the respondent fails to comply with the terms of the restraining order they could be found in contempt of court and may face severe legal consequences. When considering a restraining order, the court must consider all of the facts, including any evidence of abuse, threats, harassment, or stalking. Before granting a restraining order, the petitioner must show that fear of harm or injury to them or their family is reasonable. The protection order will then be in effect for a specified period of time that can range from a few weeks to several years. The goal of a restraining order is to protect a person from further harm or abuse from another person and to give the person the ability to feel safe and secure. If a restraining order is broken by the respondent, the victim should contact their local law enforcement agency as soon as possible.

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