{"id":372435,"date":"2016-03-31T21:34:51","date_gmt":"2016-04-01T02:34:51","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/state\/delaware-law\/delaware-protective-orders-laws.html"},"modified":"2025-07-18T11:42:12","modified_gmt":"2025-07-18T16:42:12","slug":"delaware-protective-orders-laws","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/delaware-law\/delaware-protective-orders-laws.html","title":{"rendered":"Delaware Protective Orders Laws"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Delaware Protective Orders Laws<\/h1>\n
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\n By Kit Yona, M.A.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Bridget Molitor, JD<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n

Delaware protective orders are legal instruments designed to safeguard individuals from various forms of violence or abuse. There are three types: Protection From Abuse Orders (PFAs) for domestic violence victims, Sexual Violence Protective Orders (SVPOs) for non-family sexual violence victims, and Lethal Violence Protective Orders (LVPOs) to prevent firearm-related harm. Each order has specific provisions, durations, and filing procedures tailored to the type of threat, ensuring comprehensive protection under Delaware law.<\/blockquote>\r\n

The state of Delaware offers several different types of court orders of protection.<\/p>\r\n

If you need protection, it’s important to make sure you get the correct protective order<\/a> for your situation. It’s also vital to understand these orders if you are facing a court order for protection. This guide will examine the three types of restraining orders<\/a> available in Delaware, explain how someone can get one, and show you how they work. Continue reading for a better understanding of protective orders in Delaware.<\/p>\r\n

Delaware Protective Orders Laws: Available Orders<\/h2>\r\n

There are three different types of protective orders available in Delaware: Protection From Abuse Orders (PFAs), Sexual Violence Protective Orders (SVPOs), and Lethal Violence Protective Orders (LVPOs). While they are all designed to keep victims safe, they differ in the people involved and the crimes addressed<\/a>. Orders consist of provisions that focus on telling the respondent (abuser) what they can and can’t do with regard to the petitioner (victim). Let’s take a look at each one and show you how to get the order you require.<\/p>\r\n

Delaware Orders of Protection From Abuse (PFA)<\/h3>\r\n

A Delaware Protection From Abuse Order (PFA) is designed to help victims of domestic violence. Domestic violence<\/a> crimes are specific abusive acts that occur between people sharing personal relationships. Both elements are required for a crime to be domestic violence.<\/p>\r\n

There can never be a domestic abuse offense between strangers. People in the following relationships<\/a> are eligible for domestic violence qualification:<\/p>\r\n