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1. What is the difference between a protection from abuse restraining order and a civil restraining order?

1. A protection from abuse restraining order must meet certain relationship requirements and actual abuse must have occurred.
2. A civil restraining order can prevent someone from selling, disposing, entering certain property or doing something specific until a determination is made by the court.

2. How can I file a petition for protection from abuse to get a restraining order?

If you meet the following requirements, you may file a Petition for Protection from Abuse Order with any District Court office:

1. You may seek a protection from abuse order for yourself; your minor child(ren) or other minor child(ren) who reside with you.
2. You and the person you want to have restrained must be in or have been in a romantic relationship, currently live together or have lived together in the past, or have a child in common.
3. Each person needing protection must have been abused by one of the following means:
   1. The defendant physically hurt or attempted to physically hurt you and/or a minor child intentionally;
   2. The defendant threatened to physically hurt you and/or a minor child;
   3. The defendant engaged in any sexual contact or attempted sexual contact with you or a minor child when such person was incapable of giving consent; or, engaged in sexual conduct (touching or sexual intercourse) with a minor child under 16 years of age.

A civil information sheet must be included with your Petition.