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Fequently Asked Questions about Domestic Violence
- What is
a Protective Order?
- How can I get a Protective Order?
- What if I´m not related to or living with the abuser?
- What if I have a TRO but it was issued in another state?
- What do I
do if my TRO is violated?
- What do I do if no arrest is made?
- How can I get Counseling and/or further assistance?
- What is Pu´uhonua?
What is a Protective Order?
A protective order is an order from the court which prohibits another person from contacting, threatening or abusing you or your children. In some cases, the order can extend to your employer.
How can I get a Protective Order?
If the abuser is related to you or is living with you, call the Adult Services Branch of the Family Court to apply for a Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) between the hours of 7:45 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. The number is 538-5959.
Be prepared to describe the violence.
Once all the information is collected, you will be scheduled
for an appointment. You will be told where and when to report
for your TRO. Arrive promptly.
You can get the TRO the same day but the process takes about
3-4 hours. Arrange for child care while you are involved
in this process.
Be specific about the protection you need. The TRO can order
the abuser not to contact, threaten or abuse you or your
children.
You can also request for temporary custody of your children
until the matter is resolved in court.
You'll need to provide an address where the defendant can be found. This is necessary so that the TRO can be served on the defendant.
After the TRO is approved, you must take two copies to the
Police Station in the district where
the defendant lives.
DO THIS IMMEDIATELY AFTER LEAVING FAMILY COURT.
Keep a copy of the TRO with you at all times.
What if I am not related to or living with the abuser?
If you are not related to the abuser, you must obtain a District Court Protective Order from the Honolulu District Court, 1111 Alakea St., 3rd floor. No appointment is necessary. A clerk will assist you with the forms.
What if I have a TRO but it was issued in another State?
The Full Faith and Credit provision of the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) requires all states to enforce valid protection orders issued by foreign states. If your TRO is violated, the Honolulu Police Department is required to take action.
What do I do if my TRO is violated?
Call 911 immediately! You are required to report all violations within five minutes after the offense.
Show the police your TRO and explain how it was violated.
If there is enough evidence that the TRO was violated, the defendant will be arrested.
What do I do if no arrest is made?
Call the Victim/Witness Assistance Division of the Prosecutor's Office at 523-4158. Tell them of the violation and of the police report that you made to report it. No action will be taken by the Prosecutor's Office unless you make this call.
When the Prosecutor's Office decides that they have enough evidence, they will issue a penal summons for Contempt of Court.
How can I get Counseling and/or further assistance?
The Honolulu Police Department works closely with an organization called Pu'uhonua. Call Pu'uhonua at 522-5535 for help.
What is Pu'uhonua?
Pu'uhonua - "a place of peace and safety" - is a collaboration between Parent and Children Together, the Domestic Violence Clearinghouse and Legal Hotline and the Honolulu Police Department. It provides a one-stop service where victims of domestic violence can go to at any time to receive help in various areas. They will be able to assist you with legal help, counseling, shelters, temporary child care, etc.
