2.2.2 Protective Orders

Protective orders do not guarantee safety. But a comprehensive study examining the effectiveness of protective orders concluded that victims experienced a significant reduction in abuse, violence, and fear during the 6 months following issuance of a protective order.1  Protective orders, once in place, criminalize conduct that usually would not be a criminal offense, e.g., contact by telephone or through third parties. They can also help a victim receive assistance from the police and support from family, employers, and leaseholders.

• 1TK Logan & Robert Walker, Carsey Institute, Policy Brief No. 18, Civil Protective Orders Effective in Stopping or Reducing Partner Violence 2 (2011). The study also shows reduced efficacy when stalking behavior preceded the protective order, and differences in effectiveness for urban and rural victims. Rural women experienced more violations of protective orders than urban women in the study. Id. at 3.