What protections can I get in this type of protection order?
A stalking or physical injury order can last for up to five years and can:
- order that the abuser avoid all personal contact with you;
- order that the abuser move out of and/or stay away from your home, business, school or other locations;
- order that the abuser stop all harassing, threatening and violent behavior;
- forbid the abuser from owning, possessing or buying firearms; and
- grant any other measures that the court sees as reasonable and necessary to protect you.1
Whether a judge orders any or all of the above depends on the facts of your case.
To file for a stalking or physical injury protection order, you must go to a court in your area and file an application. The process to obtain a stalking or physical injury protection order is very similar to the steps for getting a domestic violence protection order. Although the process will be similar, the forms you fill out may be different. A court clerk can help you get the paperwork you need.
1 SDCL § 22-19A-11