As is true for most states, Oregon tries to allow people who have been the victim of domestic violence to obtain a protection order quickly and with as little hassle as possible.  The State has set it up to be sure that if someone was the victim of domestic violence, that they can get an order as quickly as possible to prevent the abuser from harming them again.

Although Oregon tries to make the process for obtaining a protective order a quick one, there are still a few steps needed to obtain said order.

First, you have to qualify for a protective order. In order to qualify for a protective order, you need to have been the victim of abuse at least one time within the last 180 days.  The abuser needs to be someone either related to you, or whom you have had some form of domestic relationship with (there are specific rules for who might qualify as an abuser, if you are unsure consult with an Oregon family law attorney).  Finally, to qualify a protective order there needs to be a credible threat of further harm if one is not obtained.

If you feel these facts apply to you, then you can obtain an order by going to your local courthouse and getting the packet of documents that need to be filled out.  Most court’s have an office for victim relief where they have advocates who can assist you in filling out your forms.  That office will also be able to walk you through what time you need to come to present your order to a judge, and help you understand how to use the order once you get it.

Some court houses are more helpful than others though, so if you are not able to get the help you need directly from the courthouse, you should call an experienced family law attorney and ask them to help walk you through how to get the protection you need.

 It is also important to note in what is commonly referred to as a restraining order, in Oregon is called a protective order.