WomensLaw is not just for women. We serve and support all survivors, no matter their sex or gender.

Important: Even if courts are closed, you can still file for a protection order and other emergency relief. See our FAQ on Courts and COVID-19.
Let us know: How can WomensLaw better serve you during these difficult times?

Legal Information: District of Columbia

Restraining Orders

View all
Updated: 
November 1, 2019

Who can file for an extreme risk protection order?

You can file for an extreme risk protection order if there is significant danger that the respondent will cause bodily injury to himself/herself or others by having possession or control of, purchasing, or receiving any firearm or ammunition and:

1. you are related to the respondent by:

  • blood;
  • adoption;
  • guardianship;
  • marriage
  • domestic partnership;

2. you and the respondent:

  • have a child in common;
  • live together; or
  • have a romantic, dating, or sexual relationship; or

3. you are filing in your official capacity as any of the following:

  • a sworn member of the Metropolitan Police Department; or
  • a mental health professional.1

1 D.C. Code § 7-2510.01(2)

Legal Information

© 2008–2019 WomensLaw.org is a project of the National Network to End Domestic Violence, Inc. All rights reserved. This website is funded in part through a grant from the Office for Victims of Crime, Office of Justice Programs, U.S. Department of Justice. Neither the U.S. Department of Justice nor any of its components operate, control, are responsible for, or necessarily endorse, this website (including, without limitation, its content, technical infrastructure, and policies, and any services or tools provided). NNEDV is a 501©(3) non-profit organization; EIN 52-1973408.