A domestic violence restraining order may be issued if a person is abused by a spouse, boyfriend, girlfriend, parent, or other family member. "Abuse" as a basis for a restraining order is not limited to physical abuse, but also extends to psychological abuse, harassment, stalking, and sexual abuse, among other qualifying behaviors. A temporary restraining order is often obtained without notice to the restrained person, with a later evidentiary hearing set for a permanent restraining order where both parties attend to present their respective sides of the case. A domestic violence restraining order can include "stay-away" orders, "kick-out" orders, child custody and visitation orders, etc.
