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Legal Information: Vermont

Restraining Orders

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Updated: 
December 12, 2023

Am I eligible for a relief from abuse order?

You can be eligible to file for a relief from abuse order if you have been abused by a family or household member, which includes any of the following:

  • someone with whom you are living with or have lived;
  • someone with whom you share or have shared a home;
  • someone with whom you are having or used have a sexual relationship;
  • someone you are dating or have dated (Note: “Dating” is defined as a social relationship of a romantic nature);
  • a spouse or former spouse; or
  • a family member, related by blood or marriage.1

A minor of any age who is in a dating relationship can file against a dating partner.  However, to file in one of the other categories, the minor must be at least 16 years old to file on his/her own.2  

Note: When deciding whether to give you an order, a judge must believe that the defendant has abused you and/or your children and either:

  • there is a danger of further abuse; or
  • the abuser is currently incarcerated and has been convicted of one of the following:
    • murder;
    • attempted murder;
    • kidnapping;
    • domestic assault;
    • aggravated domestic assault;
    • sexual assault;
    • aggravated sexual assault;
    • stalking;
    • aggravated stalking;
    • lewd or lascivious conduct with child; or
    • use of a child in a sexual performance, or consenting to a sexual performance.3

1 VT ST 15 § 1103(a)
2 VT ST 15 § 1104(a)
3 VT ST 15 § 1103(c)(1)