Which protective orders are typically available and what do they accomplish?

• A. Punish the survivor.
• B. Require counseling for the survivor.
• C. Domestic violence protective orders or restraining orders; prohibit contact, require abuser’s removal, provide safety terms.
• D. Grant sole custody to the abuser.

Answer: (C)

Protective orders are legal tools meant to keep someone safe from ongoing abuse. They typically come as domestic violence protective orders or restraining orders and are designed to limit the abuser’s ability to harm the survivor. They accomplish this by prohibiting contact, requiring the abuser to stay away from the survivor, and often by removing the abuser from a shared residence. Many protective orders also include safety terms such as firearm restrictions, temporary housing provisions, or arrangements related to the safety of children, all enforceable by law enforcement. They can be issued quickly on an emergency basis and then extended after a full hearing.

This is the best answer because it describes the practical protections these orders provide and their safety-focused purpose. The other options describe actions that don’t align with protective orders—punishing the survivor, requiring survivor counseling, or granting custody to the abuser—none of which reflect the goal of these orders, which is to prevent further harm and promote safety.