Domestic Violence is a crime. If you have been abused by your spouse, boyfriend, or girlfriend, by someone you are related to, have lived with or have children with, or if you are a victim of stalking or harassment, you can request an Order of Protection to stop the abuse.

An Order of Protection can protect you from further abuse, bar the abuser from the home so that you can remain there safely, order the abuser to pay child support, maintenance, and legal expenses, award child custody and visitation, and/or order the abuser to undergo counseling in certain circumstances.

In addition to the Legal Helpline and LAAW advocates, LAAW offers The O.P. Booklet: A Step-by-Step Guide Through the Adult and Child Order of Protection Process to help you throughout the process.

To download a printer-friendly, PDF version of the booklet, click on one of the links below or contact 314.664.6699 to ask for a copy or to ask questions.

You need to have Acrobat Reader installed on your computer to view the PDF files. If you do not have Acrobat Reader installed on your computer, click on the Acrobat icon below and download the program. People with visual disabilities can download tools and information at http://access.adobe.com to help make Adobe PDF files accessible.

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For Frequently Asked Questions about Orders of Protection, click here.

Legal Helpline - 314.664.6699 or 1.800.527.1460