I need protection from an abusive partner

If you are in danger, call 911.

Why: Police can respond now, and in some states can ask a judge for an emergency order on your behalf.

If you answered “Yes” to “Are you in danger right now?”

If you can, get to a safe place (a neighbor's home, a store, a police or fire station) before you call.

Why: Calling where the abuser can hear you may not be safe.

Call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 or text START to 88788, or chat at thehotline.org, for a safety plan and local shelters and advocates.

Why: Free, confidential help 24/7, including help finding a local advocate who can go to court with you.

If you think your phone or computer is being watched, use a device the abuser can't get to (a friend's phone, a library or work computer) to look for help.

Why: Internet use can be monitored and is hard to erase completely, according to the National Domestic Violence Hotline.

Get medical care for any injuries and ask that they be documented.

Why: Medical records are strong evidence.

Go to the courthouse (or the court's online system) and ask for a protective order petition. Ask whether an emergency/temporary order can be issued today.

Why: Temporary orders can be issued quickly and last until the full hearing.

Write down what happened, with dates, and gather photos, texts, voicemails, police report numbers and witness names.

Why: The judge decides from your statement and evidence.

If you answered “Yes” to “Do you have children with this person or living with you?”

Ask for temporary custody and for the children to be named in the order if they are at risk.

Why: Protective orders can include temporary custody terms.

If you answered “Yes” to “Do you live with the abuser?”

Ask the order to require the abuser to leave the home, and pack a bag with ID, birth certificates, medicine, money, and keys in case you must leave.

Why: Having papers ready makes leaving safer and faster.

Go to the full hearing. If you don't, the temporary order usually ends.

Why: The longer-lasting order is decided at that hearing.

Keep a copy of the order with you, and give copies to your children's school and your employer if needed. Report every violation to police.

Why: Violating an order is a crime, and it is enforceable in every state and on tribal land.

Ask about renewal before the order expires, and about your state's address confidentiality program if you move.

Why: Orders have end dates; some states hide survivors' new addresses.

If you rent, ask about your rights to end a lease early or change locks.

Why: Many states and federal housing programs protect survivors.