No one deserves to be hurt or abused.
In Wisconsin, a Restraining Order (also called an Injunction) is a civil court order that can sometimes help stop someone from hurting you. The order can give you a special protection status to try to keep you safe. It can order someone to not harm you, to have no contact with you, and/or other reasonable requests the court finds necessary to try to keep you safe. If you have questions about restraining orders or your safety, call Embrace at 800.924.0556. A civil court order is different than a criminal court case.
There are 4 kinds of Restraining Orders in Wisconsin. The laws and forms to use for asking the court for a Restraining Order are the same across Wisconsin, but the process and how to file can be a little different in each county. Below is information about Restraining Orders in Barron, Rusk, Price, and Washburn Counties in Northwestern Wisconsin. To learn more about Domestic Abuse, Harassment, Individual at Risk, and Child Abuse restraining orders, click on the information below for guidance on the different types of restraining orders, filing processes, county-specific instructions, and additional resources that may be helpful throughout the process.
*Please Note: Information on this page is not legal advice. Embrace advocates can only provide legal information.
Before Filing: Understanding Your Options
To learn more about what a Restraining Order is and if one is the right fit for you and your situation, read the fact sheet for your county below. It includes information to help you decide which of the four Restraining Orders fits your situation. The steps for filing, preparing your story and evidence, and attending the hearing are also described.
Barron County - Restraining Order Factsheet
Rusk County - Restraining Order Factsheet
Price County - Restraining Order Factsheet
Washburn County - Restraining Order Factsheet
Hoja informativa sobre órdenes de restricción
This grid shows the types of abuse that are in the Wisconsin State Statutes for each type of Restraining Order. This is what the judge considers when deciding whether to grant a Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) and an Injunction (RO).
10 Points to Consider Before Choosing to File a Restraining Order
Choosing whether or not to file a Restraining Order is up to you. Every survivor’s situation is different, and there is no one-size-fits-all approach to what makes you feel safe. This resource walks through 10 important considerations to help you understand the process, weigh your options, and make an informed decision that feels safest and most appropriate for your situation.
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Barron County: Domestic Abuse RO
Here you will find a list of the court forms needed to file in Barron County
Step-by-step instructions to help guide you through filling out the forms
Rusk County: Domestic Abuse RO
Here you will find a list of the court forms needed to file in Rusk County
Step-by-step instructions to help guide you through filling out the forms
Price County: Domestic Abuse RO
Here you will find a list of the court forms needed to file in Price County
Step-by-step instructions to help guide you through filling out the forms
Washburn County: Domestic Abuse RO
Here you will find a list of the court forms needed to file in Washburn County
Step-by-step instructions to help guide you through filling out the forms
Wisconsin Self-Help Forms Assistant
This forms assistant can assist you in electronically complete the forms needed to file for a Domestic Abuse Restraining Order.
When the forms are completed, you will be able to download the documents to file in person or electronically.
Wisconsin Circuit Court Forms website
Where you can find the court forms needed to file a Domestic Abuse Restraining Order
Writing a Restraining Order Statement
Information on how to write your statement when filling out the Restraining Order.
A blank template that you can use to write your statement on.
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Barron County: Harassment RO
Here you will find a list of the court forms needed to file in Barron County
Step-by-step instructions to help guide you through filling out the forms
Rusk County: Harassment RO
Here you will find a list of the court forms needed to file in Rusk County
Step-by-step instructions to help guide you through filling out the forms
Price County: Harassment RO
Here you will find a list of the court forms needed to file in Price County
Step-by-step instructions to help guide you through filling out the forms
Washburn County: Harassment RO
Here you will find a list of the court forms needed to file in Washburn County
Step-by-step instructions to help guide you through filling out the forms
Wisconsin Self-Help Forms Assistant
This forms assistant can assist you in electronically complete the forms needed to file for a Harassment Restraining Order
When the forms are completed, you will be able to download the documents to file in person or electronically.
Wisconsin Circuit Court Forms website
Where you can find the court forms needed to file a Harassment Restraining Order
Writing a Restraining Order Statement
Information on how to write your statement when filling out the Restraining Order.
A blank template that you can use to write your statement on.
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Barron County: Individual at Risk RO
Here you will find a list of the court forms needed to file in Barron County
Step-by-step instructions to help guide you through filling out the forms
Rusk County: Individual at Risk RO
Here you will find a list of the court forms needed to file in Rusk County
Step-by-step instructions to help guide you through filling out the forms
Price County: Individual at Risk RO
Here you will find a list of the court forms needed to file in Price County
Step-by-step instructions to help guide you through filling out the forms
Washburn County: Individual at Risk RO
Here you will find a list of the court forms needed to file in Washburn County
Step-by-step instructions to help guide you through filling out the forms
Wisconsin Circuit Court Forms website
Where you can find the court forms needed to file an Individual at Risk Restraining Order
Writing a Restraining Order Statement
Information on how to write your statement when filling out the Restraining Order.
A blank template that you can use to write your statement on.
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Barron County: Child Abuse RO
Here you will find a list of the court forms needed to file in Barron County
Step-by-step instructions to help guide you through filling out the forms
Rusk County: Child Abuse RO
Here you will find a list of the court forms needed to file in Rusk County
Step-by-step instructions to help guide you through filling out the forms
Price County: Child Abuse RO
Here you will find a list of the court forms needed to file in Price County
Step-by-step instructions to help guide you through filling out the forms
Washburn County: Child Abuse RO
Here you will find a list of the court forms needed to file in Washburn County
Step-by-step instructions to help guide you through filling out the forms
Wisconsin Circuit Court Forms website
Where you can find the court forms needed to file a Child Abuse Restraining Order
Writing a Restraining Order Statement
Information on how to write your statement when filling out the Restraining Order.
A blank template that you can use to write your statement on.
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e-Filing a Restraining Order Instructions
Instructions on how to electronically file a Restraining Order online through the Wisconsin Circuit Court e-Filing website
File in person at your county Clerk of Courts
Barron County: Clerk of Courts
Address: 1420 State Hwy 25 N., Barron, WI 54812
Phone: 715.537.6265
Address: 311 Miner Ave. E., Ladysmith, WI 54848
Phone: 715.532.2108
Address: 126 Cherry St., Phillips, WI 54555
Phone: 715.339.2353
Washburn County: Clerk of Courts
Address: 10 Fourth Ave., Shell Lake, WI 54871
Phone: 715.468.4677
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TRO Decision and Hearing Notice
The Clerk of Courts will let you know when you file the petition, if the Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) is granted or denied. You’ll also be told the date and time of the Injunction (RO) hearing.
If a TRO Is Granted
If a TRO is granted, it puts temporary limits on the respondent’s behavior, usually for about two weeks. This decision can be made without the respondent being there or knowing ahead of time. After that, the sheriff will officially serve them with the TRO and the hearing notice.
Wisconsin VINE Protective Order Notification
VINE is a free, anonymous service that can provide you with information and notifications for updated custody statuses, criminal case and protective orders information.
If you were granted a non-confidential TRO, you can sign up to be notified when the TRO has been served by law enforcement.
You can register online here: VINELink or by calling this number: 855-948-7648
You will need to have the following information when registering:
The 12 digit CCAP case number
County that issued the TRO
Respondent’s First and Last Name
Preparing for Your Injunction (RO) Hearing
How an Injunction hearing works can vary by state, county, and sometimes even by judge. This form provides some basic information to help you prepare for your hearing.
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Legal Resources
Legal representation is not required for the restraining order process. You can chose to have representation, at your own cost.
Legal Action of Wisconsin - Free legal services for low-income survivors
Restraining Orders in Wisconsin
A more in-depth guide on Restraining Orders in Wisconsin, created by End Abuse.
Restraining Orders for Sexual Assault Victims
This fact sheet, created by WCASA, provides a general overview of the four different kinds of Restraining Orders available to sexual assault victims in Wisconsin.
Embrace Advocates can only give legal information!
“Legal information” is about the rules of the legal system and your options so you can make an informed decision. We can help you understand legal definitions and laws, discuss the steps to take, such as what forms to fill out or what to expect in court.
“Legal Advice” is strategy. It tells you what you should do to get the best outcome in your case. Only a lawyer can give legal advice.
