Protective Orders & Victim Information
Court Protective Orders (Restraining Orders)
Courts may issue protective orders, also known as
restraining orders, directing an abuser to stop harassing and to “keep away” from a victim and/or the victim’s children. These orders do not guarantee the abuser will stop the abuse, but they do allow law enforcement to take action to remove the abuser. The types of protective orders include:
- Emergency Protective Order (EPO) - When the police are called to the scene of a domestic violence incident, they may call a judge on a 24- hour basis and obtain a temporary protective order for the victim by telephone.
- Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) / Domestic Violence Restraining Order (DVRO) - A victim may go on his/her own to a local courthouse and request a civil protective order at no cost. Many courts have staff members available to help with the filing process. For help and instructions on obtaining a domestic violence restraining order call the L.A. County Superior Court at 213-974-5587.
- Criminal Protective Order (CPO) - When a criminal case if filed, the court may, on its own motion or at the prosecutor’s request, issue appropriate protective orders. Criminal orders have priority over any conflicting civil and dependency court orders.
- Out-of-State Domestic Violence Protective Order - A victim entering California with a protective order issued by another state will be afforded protection here provided certain conditions are met. The victim must register the out-of-state order with the local superior court