WomensLaw serves and supports all survivors, no matter their sex or gender.

Legal Information: Wisconsin

Restraining Orders

View all
Updated: 
December 14, 2023

Step 2: Carefully fill out the petition.

On the petition, you will be the “petitioner” and the abuser will be the “respondent.”

In the space provided for explaining why you want the injunction, write about the most recent incident of violence along with other incidents that have happened in the past. Use specific language that fits your situation, such as slapping, hitting, grabbing, threatening, etc.. Include details and dates, if possible. Clerks can show you which blanks to fill in, but they cannot help you decide what to write.

The domestic abuse injunction process starts by requesting a temporary restraining order. The abuser does not have to be in court with you or be told beforehand that you are asking the judge or court commissioner for a temporary restraining order.

Note: Do not sign the court forms until you are in front of a notary or a clerk. The clerk can usually notarize the forms for you.