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There are various legal remedies for addressing violence against women. Among them: a victim/survivor can choose to report abuse to the police or law enforcement personnel; can get legal assistance to regain her finances or get custody of and support for her children; or, can get a restraining order to stop the abuse or violence. 

Reporting to the Police

Domestic violence, sexual assault and stalking are crimes in every state in the United States. These crimes can be reported to law enforcement. Although there are some concerns surrounding reporting these crimes- including issues of confidentiality, batter retaliation, public disclosure or a victim/survivor not being believed- reporting violence against women crimes can offer important protections for many victims/survivors. Therefore, it is an option that should be considered. 

The choice of reporting domestic violence, sexual assault or stalking to law enforcement is a serious one and one that can be made only by the victim/survivor. You should be prepared to discuss the risks and responsibilities associated with any choices she could make and support her decision-making process, as well as the final outcome. 

If an individual with whom you are working becomes interested in making a report, it will be vital to contact your local domestic violence or sexual assault program for more information on making a report in your community. Sometimes you may be able to work with a police officer in your area that has domestic violence or abuse training or a precinct that has connections to the violence against women community to aid her as she reports her experience to the police. In many communities, victims with disabilities and those who are Deaf experience barriers to reporting to police and continuing their case through the courts. Law enforcement personnel may not know how to effectively work with someone who has a disability or who is Deaf, or about their legal responsibilities around providing accommodations and it will be important for your client to have that assistance.   

Restraining, or Protective, Orders

Restraining orders are another tool available to victims/survivors to increase their safety. A restraining order is a legal order issued by a state court which requires one person to stop harming or harassing another. A restraining, or protective, order is a court order issued in either a family (probate) or criminal (district) court and requires the abusive partner to do any or all of the following:

  • to stop abusing the survivor;
  • to remain a particular distance away from the survivor;
  • to vacate and/or remain away from the survivor's home and work;
  • to turn over any weapons or the right to carry a weapon;
  • to attend rehabilitation or intervention programs;
  • to relinquish custody of minor children;
  • to pay child support, rent/ mortgage, property damage or medical costs.

A restraining order can be obtained 24 hours a day. During normal business hours, a victim/survivor should apply at a family or civil court; on weekends, nights, and holidays, she/he should contact the police.

If the abuser violates a restraining or protective order, the victim/survivor may ask the police or the court to enforce it. The police can generally enforce many of these – especially ones that need immediate response. Violations that the police can not monitor or control can be brought back to the courts. 

Restraining order laws establish who can file for an order, what protection or relief a person can get, and how the order will be enforced. These laws vary among states. You should be aware of the laws in your community. 

You can find out about the laws in your state at the Women's Law Initiative's website This link will open a new browser window..