For emergency help with filling a Protection Order call the 24-hour National hotline for the program nearest you at: 1-800-799-SAFE.

A Protection From Abuse order is a document issued by a court to help you protect yourself from someone who is abusing or harassing you. A protection order can help:

• Set Limits--it can require the abuser to keep away from you and your home, school, place of business.
• No Contact--It can also prohibit the abuser from contacting you by    telephone or mail.
• Send a Strong Message--Getting a protection order lets the abuser know you won't put up with abusive behavior.
• If the two of you live together whether as partners or just housemates, you can ask that a  police officer be on the scene when the abuser collects his belongings.
• The order can require the abuser to go to a counseling program that focuses on battering and order substance abuse treatment if    appropriate.
• The order can give you temporary custody of the children until the court makes the final decision about custody.
• The order can require supervised visits.
• The order can require the abuser to pay child support, rent, medical care and other temporary support. 
• The order may grant you exclusive possession of the home temporarily.

Each state has criteria for who qualifies for a protection from abuse order.  To find out if you qualify call your local domestic violence center. The number will be located in the blue pages of your phone directory or call the National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-SAFE for the program nearest you.

False Hopes can be dangerous. A woman who believes the abuse will stop by itself or become less frequent is putting herself at risk. The abuser may apologize and promise it won't happen again, but in most cases the abuse continues and gets even worse.  There are battering programs that are available in most states. Contact your local domestic violence center for the best qualified treatment programs nearest you.

Remember a protection order is only a piece of paper.  Take other steps go protect yourself.  Plan for a quick escape.  Even if you do have a protection order it's a good idea to keep emergency numbers handy. Call your local domestic violence program for free and confidential help with a safety plan.