An order for protection and a harassment restraining order are two different things. An order for protection can be obtained against a family or household member who has inflicted physical harm, bodily injury, or assault, has inflicted fear of imminent physical harm, has made terroristic threats, has committed acts of criminal sexual conduct, and/or has interfered with an emergency call.

Domestic violence is a very serious issue, and it is important to remember and write down any facts that would fall under any of these categories and get help immediately.

A harassment restraining order can be obtained against anyone who has committed a single (or repeated) incident of physical or sexual assault, committed repeated incidents of intrusive or unwanted acts, words, or gestures that have a substantial adverse effect or are intended to have a substantial adverse effect on the safety, security or privacy of another, engaged in targeted residential picketing and/or has engaged in a pattern of attending public events after being notified that his or her presence is harassing to another.