Restraining Orders

You are eligible to file for a civil protection order (CPO) against a person regardless of your relationship with him/her if s/he commits sexual assault against you.¹

There are several sexual assault crimes in D.C.:

• sexual abuse (1^st degree, 2^nd degree, 3^rd degree, 4^th degree, and misdemeanor);
• sexual abuse of children (under 16) and minors (under 18):
  • sexual abuse of a child (1^st degree and 2^nd degree);
  • sexual abuse of a minor (1^st degree and 2^nd degree);
  • misdemeanor sexual abuse of a child or minor;
  • enticing a child or minor;
  • arranging for sexual contact with a child;
  • use of a minor in sexual performances;
• sex trafficking and prostitution offenses:
  • sex trafficking of children;
  • abducting/enticing/harboring a child for the purpose of prostitution;
  • pandering, inducing/compelling a person to engage in prostitution;
  • compelling an individual to live life of prostitution against his or her will;
  • causing spouse/domestic partner to live in prostitution;
  • detaining an individual in a disorderly house for debt;
• incest;
• sexual abuse of vulnerable individuals:
  • sexual abuse of a secondary education student (1^st degree and 2^nd degree);
  • sexual abuse of a ward, patient, client, or prisoner (1^st degree and 2^nd degree);
  • sexual abuse of a patient or client (1^st degree and 2^nd degree); and
• attempts to commit any of the above crimes. ²

¹ D.C. Code § 16-1001(14)
² D.C. Code § 23-1907(9)