Restraining Orders

If you were not granted a domestic abuse protective order because your relationship with the abuser does not qualify as a “family or household member,” you may be able to seek protection through an injunction against harassment from the district court. Please see our Injunctions Against Harassment page for more information.

Even if the judge didn’t give you a domestic abuse protective order, there are still some things you can do to try to stay safe. It might be a good idea to contact one of the domestic violence organizations in your area to get help, support, and advice on how to stay safe. They can help you develop a safety plan and connect you with the resources you need. For safety planning help, ideas, and information, go to our Safety Planning page. You will find a list of Hawai‘i’s resources on our Places that Help page.

If you believe the judge made an error of law, you can talk to a lawyer about the possibility of an appeal. You can find basic information on our Filing an Appeal page. This process usually has to be started very soon after the final decision, and it is, in itself, a complicated process. You will most likely need the help of a lawyer.

You may also be able to reapply for a domestic abuse protective order if a new incident of domestic violence happens after your first petition was denied.

Note: If the judge denies a request for a temporary or extended protective order, the abuser can ask the judge to order that the petition – including your allegations of abuse - won’t be available to the public. Even if the judge grants this request, law enforcement officers will still be able to see this information.¹

¹ Haw. Rev. Stat. §§ 586-4(g); 586-5.5(c)