If a family or household member has threatened you with violence or abused you, the Oregon Family Abuse Prevention Act (FAPA) can help protect you. Under FAPA, you can get an order stating that the abuser cannot contact you or come to your home, school, or workplace. In some cases the court can order the abuser to leave the family home of the victim.
To qualify for a FAPA restraining order, you must be able to show that:
1. The violence or threats occurred within 180 days of your petition;
2. The abuser intentionally or recklessly caused or tried to cause bodily harm or placed you in fear of serious harm; and
3. The abuser is a spouse, former spouse, adult relative (related by blood, adoption or marriage), person living in the same house as you, person who has lived in the same house with you within the last two years, or the other parent of your child.
You can get the necessary forms and instructions for a FAPA restraining order from the circuit court clerk at your county courthouse. The forms are free, and there is no filing fee for this type of order. The Victims Assistance Program of your local District Attorneys office can help you prepare the forms.
FAPA orders are valid for one year, and may be renewed for a good reason. If you have a FAPA order and the abuser violates it you can get immediate help from the police.