A victim of domestic abuse in Virginia may seek a restraining order, sometimes referred to as a domestic violence protection order, against their abuser. By forbidding the abuser from contacting or approaching the victims, their residence, or place of employment, these orders seek to safeguard them. The victim's local courthouse is where they can apply for a protective order. Once the order is in place, the abuser faces harsh legal repercussions, such as fines and jail time.