The specific elements you need to prove to get a restraining order vary from state to state, but in general, you need to show: A specific instance or instances of abuse or harassment (such as sexual assault by an intimate partner) The threat of violence or of further abusive behavior or harassment.
If the judge decides that there was abuse and that there is also a credible threat to the plaintiff's safety, a final order of protection will be granted and will last for up to one year.
After the hearing, a judge can issue a protective order that lasts up to 18 months, and can later be renewed after a hearing in front of a judge. The parts of the protective order that tell the abuser to not abuse, harass, or interfere with you can last forever.
A protective order is only available for people who have experienced dating or family violence and it can lead to criminal penalties (the Respondent/violator can be arrested) if violated. A restraining order can be ordered by a court for many different types of situations and only has civil penalties if violated.
The burden of proof is on the protected party to prove to the court by a preponderance of the evidence that there is a reasonable apprehension of future abuse.