Restraining Orders

At the “show cause hearing,” you will have to prove that you are a victim of stalking, as you alleged in your petition. You do not have to show proof of the abuser’s intentions. This means you don’t have to prove that the abuser meant to scare you or intimidate you.¹ If the judge grants you an order, it should state on the order how long it lasts for. The law doesn’t tell how long the order will lasts. It only says that the judge can order it for “a fixed period of time as the court deems appropriate.”²

You can have a victim advocate in court with you during the hearing.³ To find an advocate, go to our GU Advocates and Shelters page. If you will be representing yourself, see our At the Hearing page for ways you can show the judge that you were abused. For legal help and representation, go to our GU Finding a Lawyer page. 

If you are afraid to go to court, you can request that the judge allow you to “appear” in court by telephone, video conference, or by another two-way electronic communication device. In making this decision as to whether to allow it, the judge should consider whether your safety or welfare would be threatened if testimony were required to be provided in person at a proceeding. The same protections also apply to a witness who is called to court to testify.⁴

¹ 7 Guam Code § 40B106(a)
² 7 Guam Code § 40B106(d)
³ 7 Guam Code § 40B103(c)
⁴ 7 Guam Code § 40B105