Challenging the negative assumptions surrounding civil protection orders: a guide for advocates

Restraining orders, often used as the first line of protection for battered women, are surrounded by negative assumptions and beliefs held by key stakeholders who question their use and effectiveness. This article evaluates current research on restraining orders by describing four negative assumptions that were found in a review of qualitative and quantitative research. Each negative assumption includes a brief discussion of the origin of the assumption and a synthesis of the research that has addressed each assumption. The article concludes with strategies for advocates for battered women and practitioners to use when challenging the negative assumptions held by others. Keywords: battered women; civil protection order; domestic violence; restraining order