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Legal Information: Texas

Restraining Orders

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Updated: 
July 28, 2023

Who qualifies for a sexual assault, sexual abuse, indecent assault, stalking, or trafficking protective order?

Victims of any of the following crimes can qualify for this type of protective order, regardless of the relationship between the victim and the offender:

  1. sexual assault (including aggravated sexual assault);
  2. indecent assault;
  3. stalking;
  4. indecency with a child
  5. continuous sexual abuse of young child or children
  6. trafficking (including continuous trafficking); or
  7. forced prostitution.1

1 Tex. C.C.P. Art. 7B.001(a)(1), (a)(2)

Who can file the petition? Can a minor file?

If you are an adult or minor victim, you can apply on your own or with the help of a lawyer, or the prosecutor can apply on your behalf even if there is not a criminal case or police report. Also, the parent/guardian of a minor child or adult ward victim can apply on his/her behalf.1

1 Tex. C.C.P. Art. 7B.001(a)