Located within the Arlington County Courthouse at 1425 N. Courthouse Rd., Arlington, VA 22204, Doorways’ Court Advocacy program offers survivors support, guidance, and expertise in the legal aspects of safety from domestic violence, including Protective Orders.

Our advocates are here to support you, including help with:

• Discussion of safety concerns, explanation of legal options, and resources to protect you.
• Information on the legal system, Protective Orders, custody, and child support.
• Assistance in filing for Protective Orders and accompaniment to court.
• Referrals to other legal, social and/or support services, and counseling groups.

To contact a Court Advocate, call 703-228-3749.

For 24/7 support, safety planning, and access to additional services, call Doorways’ hotline at 703-237-0881.

What is a protective order?

If there are incident(s) of family abuse, the court can order a person to have no contact, or limited contact, with the victim or victim’s children, or to leave the home and stay away for a certain period of time. This is called a Protective Order.

Protective Orders prohibit further acts of abuse, prohibit contact between the parties, and grant temporary possession of a residence or vehicle and other relief as necessary. A Protective Order can be flexible; it does not have to cut off all communication between parties. It can simply order no further abuse.