A domestic violence restraining order is a court order that helps protect you from a person with whom you have had a close relationship and who may be physically, sexually, emotionally, or verbally abusing you. It may include orders that tell this person to stay a certain distance from you and what they cannot do to you. These orders provide a separation of the people involved. If you ask the court for a Domestic Violence Restraining Order, you should be prepared not to see or talk to the restrained person.

Who may apply for a Domestic Violence Restraining Order?

You may apply for a Domestic Violence Restraining Order if you have been the victim of any of the following and have a relationship as listed below:

  • Actual physical violence, such as molesting, attacking, striking, battering;
  • Stalking;
  • Sexual assault;
  • A serious threat of violence
  • Harassing and annoying phone calls;
  • Destruction of personal property.

And one of the following is also true:

  • You are married or were formerly married to the other person.
  • You have or formerly had a dating relationship with the other party.
  • You and the other party have a child or children together.
  • You are related by blood, marriage, or adoption (for example: mother, father, child, brother, sister, grandparent, in-law)
  • You and the other party are living together, or formerly lived together, as members of a “household”.

If there is a divorce, legal separation, or paternity case on file with Sacramento County Superior Court, you do not need to open a Domestic Violence case. You should file your request for restraining orders in the related family case. For additional information and assistance with Domestic Violence Restraining Orders, please visit the Family Law and Probate Self-Help Center in-person or online through e-Correspondence.

  • Domestic Violence Restraining Orders