Family abuse (also called domestic violence) can include stalking, causing or threatening physical harm, hitting, shoving, etc. Verbal, emotional, or financial abuse, while serious, is not the basis of a protective order. For help with these types of issues, contact the Domestic Violence Action Center (DVAC).
If you have experienced choking/strangulation, please seek medical attention or contact INOVA Fact for information.
A family or household member can include:
Spouse (even if you aren't living together)
Ex-spouse
People who have a child together
Parents, children, grandparents, grandchildren
Step-children, siblings, half-siblings
In-laws who live in the same house
Those living together or have lived together in the past year
any children of the persons above who live in the same home
A temporary restraining order granted by a magistrate after an incident of domestic violence.
EPOs generally last for 72 hours or until the next day the court is open.
To extend an EPO, you MUST file a Protective Order petition. Call Domestic Relations for an appointment as soon as possible after receiving the EPO (703-246-3040). DO NOT wait until the last day of the EPO to do this!
Please bring the EPO with you to the appointment.
Criminal Charge
In addition to a Protective Order (a civil case), an assault charge (a criminal case) can be filed for the same incident. This is done through a Magistrate.
Even though they are about the same incident, they are separate cases with different court dates.
If the abuse was committed by someone other than a family or household member, file the charge with General District Court (703-246-3012)
If children have been physically abused or put in danger, court personnel are required by law to report it to Child Protective Services (CPS).
Family abuse is a serious problem. If you are afraid that something may happen before a protective order takes effect, you should stay with friends or go to a shelter. In an emergency, call 911.
