Restraining Orders

You can file for an elder abuse protective order if you are at least 60 years old and unable to protect yourself from elder abuse due to:

• a mental or physical condition; or
• a personal circumstance that results in an increased risk of harm.¹

If a victim of elder abuse cannot file on his/her own, a “substitute petitioner” can file on his/her behalf. A substitute petitioner can be a:

• family or household member;
• guardian;
• conservator;
• attorney in fact;
• guardian ad litem; or
• another interested person.²

¹ Iowa Code §§ 235F.2(1); 235F.1(17)
² Iowa Code § 235F.1(15)