MD RO

Based on 2022 legislative amendments and a newly-enacted law, we did the following:

1. Revised two questions in our Maryland Domestic Violence Protective Orders page to include the fact that a victim can now file for a temporary protective order electronically from any of the following locations:
   • a domestic violence prevention or assistance program;
   • a sexual assault prevention or assistance program;
   • a human trafficking prevention or assistance program;
   • a child advocacy center;
   • a vulnerable adult program;
   • a hospital where s/he is currently receiving medical treatment; or
   • another location approved by the court.
2. Added the newly-enacted statute referenced above to our Selected Maryland Statutes page. 
3. Revised What are the legal definitions of domestic abuse, sexual assault, abuse of a child, and abuse of a vulnerable adult in Maryland? in our Maryland Domestic Violence Protective Orders page and What acts of abuse would qualify me for a peace order? in our Maryland Peace Orders page to include that the definition stalking includes the use of a tracking device or electronic communication as defined by law.

In addition, we revised What can I do if the abuser violates the order? to include the penalties upon conviction of a misdemeanor crime for violating a protective order. 

All text changes were made in English; Spanish coming soon.