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Legal Information: Puerto Rico

Restraining Orders

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Updated: 
November 25, 2023

What is the legal definition of domestic violence in Puerto Rico?

This section defines domestic violence to get a protection order. “Domestic violence” is when a current or former partner repeatedly uses physical force, psychological violence, intimidation, financial abuse or harassment to cause physical harm to yourself, your property, or another person to cause you severe emotional harm.1

In the case of intimidation and psychological violence, the judge can consider animal abuse as part of those behaviors. 2 

1 See 8 L.P.R.A. § 602(r)
2 8 L.P.R.A. § 602(h), (s), (t)