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Legal Information: Puerto Rico

Restraining Orders

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Updated: 
November 25, 2023

Who can file for a sexual violence protection order?

A sexual violence protection order can be requested by the victim, his/her lawyer, the prosecutor, or a law enforcement officer.1

The following people can also request the order on behalf of someone else in case of an emergency, if the person suffers from a physical or mental disability, or if there is another reason that prevents the person from requesting the order him/herself:

  • a parent, family member, or person responsible for a minor;
  • a school teacher, principal, or social worker;
  • a prosecutor;
  • a police officer;
  • an advocate of Children’s Affairs (el/la Procurador/a de Menores);
  • an advocate of Family Matters (el/la Procurador de Asuntos de Familia); or
  • an officer authorized by the Department of Family Services.2

1 8 L.P.R.A. § 1281
2 8 L.P.R.A. § 1284

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