In most states, you will have to have your restraining order or other court papers served on the defendant. (If you file for the order, you are the plaintiff or complainant and your abuser is the defendant or respondent.) That means the defendant/respondent needs to receive a copy of the court papers so that s/he has notice of any upcoming hearings and anything that has been filed against him or her. In most states, you get your papers served by your local Sheriff Department.
