When can I ask for an abuse prevention order?
You can ask for an abuse prevention order (a “209A Order”) against someone with whom you have a specific type of relationship (family, intimate, residential). If your relationship does not fall into one of these categories, you cannot obtain an abuse prevention order. But, if you’re being abused by someone who isn't in one of the categories listed below, you may be able to ask for a harassment prevention order (a “258E Order”).
You can ask for an abuse prevention order from a judge if you and your abuser are or were:
- Married;
- Living together in the same household;
- Related by blood or married;
- Have one or more children in common, or
- In a serious dating or engagement relationship.
And you’re suffering from abuse because your abuser has:
- Harmed or attempted to physically harm you;
- Placed you in fear of imminent serious physical harm;
- Forced, threatened, or pressured you to have sex with them;
- Coercively controlled you.
A judge may issue an Abuse Prevention Order without prior notice to your abuser if there is a substantial likelihood of immediate danger of abuse.
Note: The Juvenile Court does not have the power to issue Abuse Prevention Orders.