Victims of Domestic Violence
You may qualify if the abuser is a:

• Current or former spouse
• Someone you live or lived with
• Relative by blood or marriage
• Someone you are dating or have dated
• Person with whom you share a child—even if you never lived together or were married 

Victims of Stalking or Sexual Assault
You do not need to have a personal relationship with the offender. Anyone who has been stalked or sexually assaulted can file for protection 

Minors and Their Guardians
Minors can receive protection through a Child Order of Protection, which must be filed by a parent, guardian, juvenile officer, or court-appointed advocate

Temporary Residents of Missouri
Even if you are only in Missouri temporarily, you can file for an order if the abuse occurred, was attempted, or was threatened within the state

Ex Parte Order of Protection

• A temporary order issued without the abuser being present.
• Granted quickly when a survivor is in immediate danger.
• Based only on the survivor’s statement and evidence.
• Provides short-term protection until a court hearing is held.

Full Order of Protection

• Issued after a court hearing where both the survivor and the abuser can present evidence.
• Offers longer-term protection, often lasting months or even years.
• Can include more detailed restrictions, such as custody arrangements or no-contact provisions.

Denied Without Notification to the Abuser
The judge may deny the request for a temporary Ex Parte Order if the information provided doesn’t meet the legal standard for immediate protection.

• The abuser is not notified of the filing.
• A court hearing is still scheduled, giving the survivor a chance to present more evidence.

Temporary Ex Parte Order Granted
The judge grants a temporary protection order based on the survivor’s petition.

• The abuser is notified and must follow the restrictions (e.g., no contact, stay-away orders).
• This order remains in effect until the full hearing.

No Temporary Order, But Hearing Scheduled
The judge does not grant a temporary order, but still schedules a hearing.

• The survivor has no legal protection until the hearing.
• It’s important to take extra safety precautions during this time.