What is the difference between a restraining order and a civil or criminal protection order (CPO)?
Both a restraining order and a civil or criminal protection order (CPO) may order an abuser not to abuse or harass a victim of domestic violence. However, in Ohio, these orders are very different legal tools. A domestic relations court may issue a restraining order in a divorce or legal separation case to protect one spouse from the other, abusive spouse. The restraining order remains in effect and is enforceable as long as the divorce or legal separation case is pending. It expires upon the termination of the divorce or legal separation case. Enforcement is limited. If the abusive spouse violates the restraining order, the protected spouse may file a motion for contempt against the violator in the same court which granted the restraining order. Police and other law enforcement officers do not enforce restraining orders. As a result, the burden of enforcement is upon the protected spouse and his or her attorney. By contrast, law enforcement officers anywhere in the State of Ohio must e