Restraining Orders

Any person who is a victim of domestic violence by a “household member” can file for a protective order. Household members include adults or minors who:

• are current or former spouses;
• live together or who have lived together;
• are/were dating;
• had a sexual relationship;
• are related to each other by blood, including half-blood, or adoption - for example, a child, parent, grandchild, brother, sister, grandparent, uncle, first cousin, or other relative;
• are related by a current or former marriage, including step-parents and step-children;
• have a child in common from a relationship; or
• are the minor child of a person in any of the relationships described above.¹

A judge cannot deny you a protective order based only on the fact that there has been a lapse of time between the domestic violence and the filing of the petition.²

Note: If you do not have a household member relationship with the abuser, you may be eligible for a sexual assault or stalking protective order. For more information about these orders, see What is a stalking or sexual assault protective order?

With the consent of a victim of a crime involving domestic violence, a peace officer may request an emergency protective order.³ See What types of domestic violence protective orders are there? How long do they last? for more information.

For information about representing yourself in a protective order hearing, you can check out the Alaska State Courts website. You can also find general information about preparing for court on our At the Hearing page.

¹ Alaska Statute §18.66.990(5)
² Alaska Statute §18.66.100(e)
³ Alaska Statute §18.66.110(b)