Maryland Peace and Protective-Orders are court orders issued to prevent domestic violence, stalking, sexual assault, or harassment. Peace Orders are issued by District Court Commissioners to protect individuals from acts of violence, force, or threat. Protective Orders are issued by a Circuit Court Judge and provide additional protection for victims of domestic violence, including the possibility of evicting an abuser from the home. There are two types of Maryland Peace and Protective-Orders. The first is a “Peace Order,” which is issued by a District Court Commissioner and is available to individuals who are not related by blood or marriage. The Peace Order is designed to protect individuals from acts of violence, force, or threat. The second type is a “Protective Order,” which is issued by a Circuit Court Judge and is available to individuals who are related by blood or marriage. Protective Orders provide additional protection for victims of domestic violence, including the possibility of evicting an abuser from the home.