Prepare your documents for Domestic Violence Restraining Order Oregon

Gather evidence to support your case, though your own testimony is also evidence and may be enough for the court to issue a protection order.

The following types of evidence may help support an Oregon Domestic Violence Restraining Order (DVRO) case:

Evidence Type 1: Pending Criminal Case
If there is an ongoing criminal case related to the domestic violence, let the court know. A pending criminal case may provide additional context about the conduct and related law-enforcement or prosecutorial action.

Evidence Type 2: Photos of Injuries, Property Damage, or the Scene
Photos can help document physical injuries, damage to property, or the condition of the scene after an incident. Include them with your written description to give the judge a clearer understanding of what happened.

Evidence Type 3: Text Messages, Emails, Social Media Posts, or Voicemails
Save or print threatening, abusive, or harassing text messages, emails, social media posts, or voicemails. These records can help document the respondent's conduct and communications.

Evidence Type 4: 911 Calls
If you called 911, include details such as:

• The number called (911)
• The date and time of the call
• Who made the call
• What was reported
• Any identifying details about the dispatcher, if remembered

Evidence Type 5: Medical Records
Provide records showing medical treatment related to the domestic violence, such as emergency room records, doctor's notes, photographs taken by medical staff, or health portal records.

Evidence Type 6: Police Reports
Attach copies of police reports documenting domestic violence, threats, assaults, stalking, harassment, or other related conduct involving the respondent.

Evidence Type 7: Witness Statements or Affidavits
Statements from family members, friends, neighbors, coworkers, or other witnesses who saw or heard the domestic violence can support your case. Witnesses should describe specific incidents and what they personally observed.

After the screening, this website will guide you through the remaining steps to create your case documents.

For your information: To apply for an Oregon Domestic Violence Restraining Order (DVRO), you must complete and submit the required Oregon court forms. These forms ask about your relationship to the respondent, the incidents of domestic violence, and the protection you are requesting.

The most important document is the Domestic Violence Restraining Order petition. In this petition, you explain what happened and why you need protection. The information you provide helps the court decide whether to issue a temporary or longer-term domestic violence restraining order.

Based on the information you provide, an Oregon court may issue a Temporary Domestic Violence Restraining Order when you are experiencing abuse or are at risk of further abuse. A temporary order may be issued without prior notice to the respondent in appropriate circumstances and is intended to provide immediate protection while the case proceeds.

A temporary order may include provisions such as prohibiting the respondent from abusing or contacting you, staying away from your home or workplace, or restricting the respondent's access to firearms.

If a temporary order is issued without prior notice to the respondent, the respondent may request a hearing. The court may then hold a hearing where the parties can present evidence and testimony before the court decides whether to continue or modify the protection.

After a Temporary Domestic Violence Restraining Order is issued and served, the court will schedule a hearing. At the hearing, both you (the petitioner) and the respondent have the opportunity to attend, present evidence, call witnesses, and testify.

The judge will consider:

• Evidence presented by both parties
• Witness testimony
• Any additional incidents or relevant information since the petition was filed

If the judge finds that the legal requirements for a restraining order are met, the court may issue a Final Domestic Violence Restraining Order.

The final order may:

• Remain in effect for the period ordered by the court, as permitted under Oregon law, and
• Include protections the judge determines are appropriate based on the facts of the case.

If you (the petitioner) do not attend the hearing, your case may be dismissed. If the respondent does not attend after being properly served, the judge may proceed with the hearing and issue a final protection order based on the evidence presented.