Restraining orders are issued by a judge and are intended to protect those who fear for their own safety.
To obtain a restraining order, go to the Broward County Courthouse in downtown Fort Lauderdale at 201 S.E. 6th Street, Room 248 between 8:30 am and 5:00 pm.
If you find yourself in a life-threatening domestic violence situation after hours, call Henderson Mental Health Center, Inc. - Crisis Services (954) 463-0911. They will help to evaluate whether you qualify to apply for an emergency domestic violence restraining order. If you do, you will be met at the courthouse by a domestic violence specialist who will assist you through the process during which the duty judge will decide whether to grant the emergency domestic violence restraining order.
A temporary restraining order can be granted immediately and lasts only until a hearing can take place.
If a restraining order is violated, call 911 and report the situation.
Always keep a copy of your restraining order with you, and on file with the police department in whose jurisdiction you live, work, or regularly spend time.
Inform your employer, neighbors, close friends, family, your children's school administration, teachers, childcare centers, and babysitters about the restraining order.