U.S. laws aim to protect victims of domestic violence from further abuse by providing various legal tools, such as protection orders, to secure their safety.
The duration of a domestic violence protective order can vary depending on the type of order, the specifics of the case and the applicable rules of the state. There are typically three types of protective orders related to domestic violence:
Emergency protection order (EPO)
An emergency protection order is a type of short-term protection order that is available to victims when the courts are inaccessible, such as nights, weekends or holidays. An EPO usually lasts until the court reopens and is available to conduct a formal hearing, typically within 72 hours from the EPO grant.
Temporary protection order (TPO)
A temporary or ex parte protection order is one the court grants on a temporary basis after an initial hearing where the person accused of domestic violence is not present. This type of order usually lasts until the full court hearing for a general protection order, which generally must be held within 14 days.
Domestic violence protection order (DVPO)
After a full hearing where both parties are present to submit their case, the court may issue a domestic violence protection order. This order can last for up to one year, but the victim can request an extension of the order before it expires, which can potentially extend the order for another year or longer, depending on the circumstances and the judge’s discretion.
An extensive list of protection orders
Note that the ones above are only some of the common protection orders available to victims. Each state may have different protective tools and rules on enforcing those orders. For instance, Washington has various protection orders, ranging from a domestic violence protection order to a no-contact criminal order.
If you or a loved one are a victim of domestic violence, it is highly advisable to seek guidance and representation from a legal representative knowledgeable in legal protections against domestic violence. This allows you to make informed decisions and pursue a protection order that is suitable to your unique situation.