Legislator Trying to Change Protective Order Law

Currently the law in the state of Virginia allows protective orders only when a couple is married, has a child together, or lives together. 74th District Delegate Joe Morrissey (D) plans to introduce legislation that would allow a person to take out an “order of protection”, against his or her dating partner.

Orders of protection, also known as restraining orders, are a useful way to begin a paper trail that documents abuse. It is a legal order issued by a magistrate or judge to protect a person who has been victimized by physical abuse, and or threatening behavior. To learn more about Protective Orders visit the Department of Criminal Justice Services Victims Services Section.