For Washingtonians trying to cut contact with their domestic abusers and stalkers, civil protection orders are often a necessary legal step. But the process of filing one can be tricky to navigate.

Petitions may be filed to shield oneself from domestic violence and other alleged offenses, but court orders are unenforceable if not served.

AUSTIN, Texas — Protective orders are designed to safeguard victims of domestic violence, stalking, sexual assault and other crimes by legally requiring abusers to stay away. However, obtaining one ...

Individuals who fear for their safety — perhaps from a threatening domestic partner, roommate or stalker — might also be afraid to publicly pursue a protection order that can shield them from ...

A protection order meant to safeguard Latricia Brown from her ex-husband, Mario Green, was signed but never served, resulting in her tragic death at Henry Ford Hospital. Brown had repeatedly sought ...

NEW ORLEANS, La. -- The Louisiana Supreme Court has launched an initiative to develop a digital civil protection order portal for domestic violence survivors and other individuals seeking a civil ...