About
Protection Orders
From 2019-2021, 80% of domestic-related calls made to 911 in California involved the reported use or threatened use of firearms. To stop the violence, California has nine protection orders. These tools temporarily remove guns from people who might hurt themselves or others.
Protection orders give loved ones and friends a way to act when there are warning signs, helping to prevent suicides, mass shootings and other forms of violence. If you or someone you know is at risk, help is available.
TAKE ACTION
Save a Life
Since 2016, protection orders have stopped 58 mass shooting threats in California, and many other types of violence including self harm by suicide,
by giving people time to pause, get help and heal.
Click to learn more about these orders below.
Gun Violence Restraining Orders
1. Who Does it Help?
People who might hurt themselves or others.
2. Who Can File?
• Police officers
• Close family members
• A spouse, partner or roommate
• A boss or coworker
• A teacher at the person’s school
3. How Long Does It Last?
21 days; can be extended 1-5 years
Elder/Dependent Adult Abuse Restraining Order
1. Who Does it Help?
Adults over 65, or adults 18-64 with certain physical or intellectual disabilities.
2. Who Can File?
• Adults over 65
• Adults 18-64 with physical or intellectual disabilities
• Someone seeking protection for them
3. How Long Does It Last?
21 days; can be extended 1-5 years
Workplace Violence Restraining Order
1. Who Does it Help?
• Employees
• Volunteers
• Independent contractors
• Board of directors
• Public officers experiencing threats in the workplace
2. Who Can File?
Employers
3. How Long Does it Last?
21 days; can be extended 1-3 years
Domestic Violence Restraining Order
1. Who Does it Help?
People who have been hurt or scared by someone they are close to (ex: spouse, partner, roommate or family member).
2. Who Can File?
• Close family members
• A husband, wife or partner
• Someone who lives with or used to live with the person
3. How Long Does It Last?
21 days; can be extended 1-5 years
Juvenile Restraining Order
1. Who Does it Help?
Children under 18 being hurt, bullied or threatened. If someone needs protection from a child being violent or threatening.
2. Who Can File?
People involved in a juvenile court case (ex: parent, guardian, children in the household, probation officers or social worker seeking protection for or from a juvenile under the care of the court).
3. How Long Does It Last?
21 days; can be extended 1-3 years
Emergency Protective Orders
EPO-001 (All POs except GVROs)
1. Who Does it Help?
People in current danger
needing quick protection.
2. Who Can File?
Law enforcement
3. How Long Does it Last?
5 court days or 7 calendar days
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EPO-002 (For GVROs only)
1. Who Does it Help?
People in danger who are at risk to themselves or others.
2. Who Can File?
Law enforcement
3. How Long Does it Last?
21 days
Postsecondary School Violence Restraining Order
1. Who Does it Help?
Students at a college or trade school.
2. Who Can File?
• A college or trade school leader, or someone they appoint.
3. How Long Does It Last?
21 days; can be extended 1-3 years
Civil Harassment Restraining Order
1. Who Does it Help?
People in danger of harassment, stalking or threats from someone without a close relationship (ex; neighbor, coworker).
2. Who Can File?
People who have been threatened.
3. How Long Does It Last?
21 days; can be extended 1-5 years
Criminal Protective Order
1. Who Does it Help?
People who are a risk to themselves or others.
2. Who Can File?
Law enforcement
3. How Long Does it Last?
21 days
Gun Violence by the Numbers
Gun violence causes a lot of harm in California. Each year, about 3,200 people die and more than 7,000 are hurt by guns across the state.
California has fewer gun deaths than most other states, but gun violence still hurts many people. Every life lost is one too many. Gun violence also costs a lot of money. It costs California about $41.9 billion each year. Taxpayers pay about $1.1 billion of that. That means each person in California pays around $1,060 because of gun violence.
Gun Violence Facts:
• People who live with guns are more likely to be killed.
• If a woman has a gun, her chance of dying by suicide is much higher, about 35 times more. For first-time male gun owners, it’s about 8 times more.
• Most mass shootings are not a surprise. In many cases, someone gave a warning first.
• Every day, around 132 people are killed by guns in the U.S. That means someone dies from gun violence every 11 minutes.
Know the Signs
When someone is in trouble, family and friends may notice the signs first.
Seeing these signs can help stop gun violence.
Suddenly cutting ties with friends or family
Showing intense anger or acting out of control
Making threats toward others
Talking about self-harm or harming others
Bullying behavior
