An Order of Protection can be issued by any Arizona judge when a qualifying relationship exists between the victim and defendant, such as:
- Related by blood (parent, child, grandparent, sibling).
- Related by marriage (spouse, in-laws, stepfamily).
- Currently or previously lived in the same household.
- Share a child in common or pregnancy.
- Related through court order (adoption).
- A child living in the same household and related to a former spouse.
- Current or former romantic or sexual relationship.
- Crimes Covered Under Domestic Violence (A.R.S. § 13-3601A) Examples include: assault, aggravated assault, harassment, stalking, endangerment, unlawful imprisonment, custodial interference, disorderly conduct, child or vulnerable adult abuse, criminal trespass, and other acts of violence or intimidation.
What an Order of Protection May Do?
- Prohibit the defendant from committing domestic violence.
- Restrict contact with the victim or other protected persons.
- Grant one party exclusive use of a shared residence.
- Restrict firearm possession if the defendant is deemed a threat.
- Require completion of a domestic violence treatment program (if ordered after a hearing).
- Provide other necessary protections.
An Order of Protection, by itself, cannot guarantee your safety. Even if the judge grants your petition for an Order of Protection, you need to take additional steps to protect yourself. It’s important to make a SAFETY PLAN.
Duration and Enforcement
- The order must be served within one year.
- Once served, it is valid for two years.
- Violations should be reported to law enforcement and may result in arrest and prosecution.
Local and national Domestic Violence resources
- IF YOU ARE IN IMMINENT DANGER, CALL 9-1-1
- Safehouse of Bullhead City (928) 763-7233
- National Domestic Violence Hotline (24/7) 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) | TTY: 1-800-787-3224
- Arizona Coalition Against Domestic Violence Legal Advocacy Hotline 1-800-782-6400 or (602) 279-2900
- Information and Referral (Arizona) 1-800-352-3792
Safety Tips During a Violent Incident
- Avoid rooms with weapons (e.g., kitchen) or without exits (e.g., bathroom).
- Move toward rooms with an exit and a phone.
- Create a code word with friends, neighbors, or children to signal for help.
- Teach children how to call 911.
- Trust your instincts and leave if possible.
Planning to Leave?
If you plan to leave an abusive situation, keep the following items ready:
- Identification (driver’s license, birth certificate, Social Security card).
- Health and benefit cards.
- Financial items (money, credit cards, checkbook).
- Important documents (address book, legal papers, keys).
After Leaving
- Request a protective order for yourself or your workplace.
- Inform trusted people (friends, neighbors, coworkers, childcare providers).
- Provide a list of approved people to pick up your children.
- Change locks and consider installing security measures.
- Avoid places you frequently visited with your abuser.