Restraining Orders

In an emergency or nonemergency sexual violence protective order, the court may order the abuser to:

• not contact you - directly, indirectly, or through a third party;
• stay away from your home, your workplace, your school, or any other place you go to;
• not come within a specified distance of you;
• turn in his/her firearms to the police or a licensed firearms dealer in Delaware, and not purchase or receive any other firearms while the order is in effect;
• undergo a drug, alcohol, or mental health assessment; and
• grant any other relief reasonably necessary for your protection.¹

The court can also order law enforcement to search for and take (seize) any firearms or ammunition owned or controlled by the abuser.¹ If you think that you will be in more danger if the abuser learns your location, you can ask the court not to reveal your current address or place of residence.²

Note: The court cannot order the abuser to pay you money damages in a sexual violence protective order.³ For more information on how to try to get financial compensation in court, go to our Suing an Abuser page.

¹ 10 Del.C. §§ 7204(d); 7205(c)
² 10 Del.C. § 7203(c)
³ 10 Del.C. § 7203(l)