Protective Orders

Abstract

Current media portrayal of protective orders is often negative, focusing on weaknesses in how protective orders are obtained and enforced. This review of research findings on protective orders examines issues and suggests areas in need of future research to clarify and improve public policy. More specifically, this review has five main objectives: (a) to provide background information about partner violence and the need for protective orders; (b) to describe what protective orders are, how many women obtain them, and the advantages and disadvantages of obtaining protective orders; (c) to examine characteristics of women who seek protective orders; (d) to explore research on whether protective orders actually increase women's safety; and (e) to highlight opportunities and gaps in the practice and research literature regarding the use of protective orders for women with violent partners or ex-partners.

The Goals of IPV Survivors Receiving Orders of Protection

“…In these studies, victims with POs report feeling better about themselves and their lives, and are optimistic about the orders' effectiveness (for reviews see Logan et al, 2006;Russell, 2012). In these studies, victims with POs report feeling better about themselves and their lives, and are optimistic about the orders' effectiveness (for reviews see Logan et al, 2006;Russell, 2012).…”

“…Although their primary aim is protection from physical harm, POs can include a range of stipulations, including an order to not contact the petitioner and others he or she views as being at risk, to reimburse the petitioner for damages; an order that the respondent receive mental health, substance abuse, or batterer treatment; and orders to abide by specific custody arrangements (Gondolf, McWilliams, Hart, & Stuehling, 1994;Logan et al, 2006). Violations of POs, however, are generally prosecuted by the criminal court and carry the potential of arrest and incarceration.…”

Factors Associated With Increased Risk for Lethal Violence in Intimate Partner Relationships Among Ethnically Diverse Black Women

“…Yet, research suggests a small proportion of women obtain restraining orders (Logan, Shannon, Walker, Faragher, 2006). Vittes and Sorenson (2008) reported most women did not have a restraining order when they were killed.…”

Never to Me! Concealment of Intimate Partner Violence in Querétaro, Mexico

“…Its prevalence is greater than that of other serious health problems (e.g. breast cancer) that have received wide coverage and financing because of wide-spread awareness (Logan et al 2006). For example, in most Western nations one in four women are at risk for IPV.…”

“…IPV concealment reduces the public awareness of its actual occurrence, resulting in less attention by public policy. It is also known that reports to the court system usually result in two phenomena: (1) a decrease in violence between the couple (Willson et al 2001) and (2) people subjected to aggression feel safer and better about themselves (Malecha et al 2003, Logan et al 2006. So, understanding the obstacles that limit complaints, whether formal or informal, can have an impact for both an individual and the society.…”