Protection From Abuse Act

The act establishes a civil court process through which a person who has been abused can obtain a protective order against the abuser, and sets out how such proceedings are commenced, heard, and decided. Its central mechanisms include the forms of relief a court may grant, emergency orders available outside regular court hours, service of orders, and detailed procedures for the relinquishment, safekeeping, and return of firearms and other weapons. It also defines the duties of law enforcement, authorizes arrest and criminal and civil contempt proceedings for violations, recognizes protection orders issued in other jurisdictions, and provides confidentiality protections for victims' addresses and records along with immunity for those who report abuse.

Editorial summary generated from the text of this act. It is not part of the statute — read the sections below for the operative language.