A domestic violence injunction may be obtained by a person who feels that he or she is in danger of or a victim of domestic violence. Injunctions, also called restraining or protective orders, usually require that the accused not contact, attack, strike, threaten, batter, telephone, or otherwise disturb the peace of the protected person. Other protective orders require that the accused move from the protected person's home, stay at least 100 (one hundred) yards from the protected person, or attend batterer treatment counseling. If an accused batterer violates a restraining order, he or she may be subject to jail time. Unfortunately, however, some attackers may not be influenced by a restraining order, and attempt to inflict harm on the victim after the order has been issued. Victims of abuse should also consider other measures such as going to a shelter, staying with family or friends, having family or friends stay with them, leaving the area, or taking self defense measures. An accused batterer who fears that his or her reputation will be harmed may protest a restraining order if he or she feels it is unfair.
