Domestic Violence Services
Protective Orders
What is a Protective Order?
A protective order is a legal order issued by a magistrate or the judge to protect
one person from physical abuse or threatening behavior by another.
A protective order is issued in cases of domestic violence
and stalking to protect the health and safety of an abused person
and his/her family or household members.
More Info
I-CAN
I-CAN s a computer program that allows you to complete the court forms for your Protective Order filing prior to coming to court. You must take the completed forms to the Court Services Unit to petition for your Protective Order. More Info
Family Abuse Protective Order Filing Information for Bedford County
http://www.courts.state.va.us/programs/filing_information/bedford.pdf
Helpful Tips For Court
• Arrive early at the courthouse.
• Dress neatly and be courteous.
• If you see your abuser before court, do not speak to him. Sit in another waiting area.
• Turn off all cell phones and pagers before court.
• No chewing gum allowed in the courtroom.
• Only children summonsed to appear may enter the courtroom. You will need to arrange for childcare or bring someone with you to sit with your children during your court hearing.