Restraining Orders

It should not be more difficult to get your U.S. or Canadian protection order enforced even if you do not register it in Wisconsin. As long as you can show the officer a valid out-of-state protection order (or the law enforcement officer determines that a valid foreign protection order exists by contacting the appropriate authorities), s/he can arrest the abuser if there is probable cause to believe that the abuser violated the terms of the order.¹

If you are unsure about whether registering your order is the right decision for you, you may want to contact a local domestic violence organization in your area. An advocate there can help you decide what the safest plan of action is for you in Wisconsin. To see a list of local domestic violence organizations in Wisconsin, go to our WI Advocates and Shelters page.

¹ Wis. Stat. §§ 813.128(3g)(b)(1); 813.1283(3)