Restraining Orders

There are temporary and final harassment restraining orders. A final harassment restraining order is also called an injunction. A temporary order may be granted by a judge or circuit court commissioner if s/he finds reasonable grounds to believe that the abuser has intentionally harassed or intimidated the victim.¹ The temporary order lasts for 14 days or until the full court hearing.²

A final harassment restraining order or injunction, can be granted only after a full court hearing where the victim and abuser both get a chance to tell their sides of the story. If granted, a final harassment restraining order may last for up to four years.³ However, there is a possibility that the injunction can last for up to ten years if you can prove there is a substantial risk that the respondent may commit any of these crimes against you: first-degree intentional homicide, second-degree intentional homicide, sexual assault or sexual assault of a child (sections (1) or (2)).⁴ If the respondent has been convicted of committing sexual assault in the first, second, or third degree (sections (1) to (3)) against you, you may request that the injunction be made permanent.⁵

¹ Wis. Stat. § 813.125(3)(a)(1)
² Wis. Stat. § 813.125(3)(c)
³ Wis. Stat. § 813.125(4)(c)
⁴ Wis. Stat. § 813.125(4)(d)
⁵ Wis. Stat. § 813.125(4)(d)(1m)