A protective order is a legal remedy for the use and protection of victims of family violence.

You can obtain a protective order by filing an application with a Family Law Court in Tarrant County. You will probably need the services of an attorney. You can contact the Protective Order Unit at the District Attorney's'Office to determine if that office can represent you. A Protective order may be in effect for up to two years. It may take several weeks to get a final Protective Order. You may contact the Arlington Police Department's Victim Assistance Program or the Safe Haven if you have questions or need help in applying for a Protective Order, or help with planning for your safety in the mean time.

You may be able to obtain a Magistrate's Order for Emergency Protection if the abuser is arrested. At the time of arraignment, the magistrate may grant an Emergency Protective Order at the request of a peace officer or a victim provided the abuser is still in custody. The Emergency Protective Order is good for 31-61 days or 61 to 91 days if a weapon was used. If you want to apply for the Emergency Protective Order, let the arresting officer know and he/she will explain to you how to obtain the order. If the officer has already left, re-contact the Arlington Police Department at 9-1-1 or Victim Assistance at (817) 459-5339.

A Protective Order can deter violence and provide the police and courts additional authority to intervene in family violence cases and to punish those who commit family violence, but it is not a shield that truly stops the next violent act from occurring. Most violent relationships become more dangerous and more violent over time, not less violent. If you feel you are in danger, please contact Victim Assistance at (817) 459-5339 for further information about your options.

Visit the Tarrant County Criminal District Attorney's Web site for more information and to download the Protective Order Questionnaire
 http://www.tarrantda.com/?page_id=442.