Connecticut Protection Orders

Protection orders in Connecticut are legal tools designed to safeguard individuals from abuse, threats, harassment, or stalking. These orders provide legal remedies tailored to the needs of survivors and their safety.

Basic Order Types

• Restraining Order: Issued to protect victims from family or household members facing abuse or threats.
• Civil Protection Order: Applies to cases involving stalking, sexual assault, or other serious harms, regardless of relationship.
• Harassment Prevention Order: Used for cases involving harassment that may not meet the criteria for other orders but still require legal protection.
• Emergency Orders: Temporary orders granted quickly to provide immediate protection until a court hearing.

Filing Procedures

To request a protection order, individuals must file a petition at the Superior Court or through local judicial district offices. The petitioner will be asked to provide details about the abuse, threats, or harassment. Assistance is available from court advocates and organizations specializing in domestic violence support.

Filing is generally free of charge, and confidentiality measures are in place to protect the petitioner’s identity when necessary.

Service of Process

After a protection order petition is filed, the respondent must be officially served a copy of the order and related documents. Service is typically carried out by local law enforcement or authorized process servers. Proper service ensures the respondent is officially notified and required to appear at the hearing.

Failure to serve may delay the case or affect enforcement, so prompt service is important for the petitioner’s safety.

Hearings

A court hearing is scheduled once the respondent has been served. Both parties have the opportunity to present evidence and testimony. The judge will assess the risk and determine if the protection order should be granted, modified, or dismissed.

Support persons or advocates may accompany petitioners, and interpreters or other accommodations can be requested to ensure clear communication.

Enforcement Practices

Once issued, protection orders are enforceable by law enforcement throughout Connecticut. Violations of the order, such as contact or proximity breaches, can result in immediate arrest and legal penalties. It is important for petitioners to keep a copy of the order accessible and notify authorities promptly if violations occur.

For additional guidance and resources on protection orders and survivor support, visit DV Support.