ABA Family Legal Guide

Family Law

Marriage

Domestic Violence

Do protective orders actually protect the victim of domestic violence?

Sometimes. Studies have shown that issuing a protective order or arresting a person who commits an act of domestic violence does reduce future incidents of domestic violence. When perpetrators of domestic violence see that the police and the court system will treat domestic violence seriously, many persons who commit domestic violence may be deterred from future violence. But orders of protection are not guarantees of protection or safety. Some individuals under the influence of intense anger or rage will not change their behavior regardless of whether a court order has been issued--and a court order might even add to the rage. The legal system cannot offer perfect protection, although it can reduce violence overall.