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.
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.
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.
Key Differences A Harassment Order addresses unwanted behavior that may not necessarily involve physical harm but still causes significant distress to the victim. In contrast, a Restraining Order is typically sought in cases involving a history of violence, physical threat, or other forms of serious harm.
Evidence from the person seeking the order can take different forms: Witness Testimony: Statements from people who witnessed abusive behavior. Photographic Evidence: Photos of injuries caused by violence, with timestamps. Text Messages or Emails: Messages with threatening language or detailing abuse.
Your affidavit should say when and how the defendant abused you and why you are afraid of the defendant. Start with the most recent incident that is making you afraid. Often, the first question that a judge will ask you is what happened that day that made you come into court to ask for a restraining order.
Commonalities and Differences: Protection Orders in Ohio Type of OrderWho Can FileDuration Temporary Protection Order (TPO) Victim of domestic violence or threat of violence 7-10 days Civil Protection Order (CPO) Victim of abuse or harassment from family or household member Up to 5 years3 more rows •