If you are being abused by a loved one, you do have options to help make yourself safer. You may want to develop a safety plan, or get a protective order. Your local domestic violence services program can help you with safety planning, seeking a protective order, or exploring many other options and services.

Are you being abused? Answer yes to any of the following questions and you may be available for protection under the law.

	Have you been physically injured in any way by your spouse? Former spouse? An intimate partner who you live with or have lived with? Someone you share a child with? Or someone related to you by blood, marriage or adoption? (Note: if you are in violent dating relationship, but not living with your abuser, click here to find out about peace orders.)
	Are you living in fear that you or someone else, even your pets, will be physically injured by this person?
	Has this person touched you, threatened to touch you, in any way you didn't like or allow? Examples of this include shoving, kicking, slapping, choking, or hitting you with an object.
	Has this person touched you or threatened to touch you sexually in a way you didn't like or allow? Has this person raped or threatened to rape you? In Maryland, a husband can be convicted of raping his wife.
	Has this person thrown or destroyed any property, i.e. punched walls, broken furniture or glass, in a way that made you fear for your safety or the safety of others?
	Has this person held you somewhere against your will (false imprisonment)?

	Call 911 if you are in danger or need immediate help. The police keep records of these calls which may help you in court later. If the police come to your home, be sure to get the police report number from them.
	Get medical attention if you have been injured even slightly. Keep copies of your medical records.
	Take photographs of your scars and bruises. Keep them in a safe hiding place at home or at work, or with a friend. Record a written description of when you were injured and what happened.
	Arrange a signal with a neighbor to let them know when you are in trouble, such as a specific light on or a window shade pulled down.
	Keep some money, a change of clothes, your spare keys, and important documents (driver's license, ID card, check book, medical records, birth certificates, health insurance cards, etc.) at a friend's house, your work, a locked trunk, or other safe place in case you need to leave in emergency.
	Contact your local domestic violence program. They will give you information about the law, shelters, counseling, legal help, and more ways to keep you safe from harm. To find the domestic violence program nearest you, click here.

Interim Order (when Court is closed)

	If you need to apply for protection after business hours, on the weekend, or a holiday, you can apply for an Interim Order with the Court Commissioner, usually in the county where you live. Your local domestic violence program can help you find the nearest court and guide you through this process. Click here for Commissioner locations.
	An Interim Order starts as soon as it is given to your abuser by a police officer. It may order your abuser to stop all abuse; to stop contacting and harassing you; to stop threatening you; to stay away from your home, temporary residence, work, school, children's school and daycare provider, family member's homes, and any surrounding areas.
	An Interim Order will list the date for a "temporary order hearing," which is usually held within two business days. The interim order is effective until midnight of the second business day after you apply for the order, or until the temporary order hearing.

	During regular business hours, you can apply by yourself for a Petition for Protection at the Civil Clerk's Desk in either District or Circuit Court, usually in the county where you live. Your local domestic violence program can help you find the nearest court and guide you through this process.
	Once you complete this form, you will see a judge the same day in an "temporary order hearing." As long as the judge has reasonable grounds to believe abuse occurred, he or she will issue a Temporary Order.
	A Temporary Order starts as soon as it is given to your abuser by a police officer. It may order your abuser to stop all abuse; to stop contacting and harassing you; to stop threatening you; to leave your home immediately, giving you temporary ownership of the house; to stay away from your home, temporary residence, work, school, children's school and daycare provider, family member's homes, and any surrounding areas; and award you temporary custody of a minor child.
	A Temporary Order will list the date for a "protective order hearing," which is usually held within seven days. The temporary order is in effect only until the date of the protective order hearing.

	Bring any evidence you have that abuse occurred, including witnesses, police or medical reports, documentation, objects used to injure you, photographs, etc. The judge needs "clear and convincing evidence that abuse has occurred."
	A Protective Order can last for up to twelve months, with a possibility of a six month extension.
	In addition to the protection you have had under the Interim or Temporary order, the Protective Order may grant you full custody of your children, financial support, use of the car, and a requirement for your abuser to attend a batterer's intervention program.
	Once the judge awards you a Protective Order, keep a copy of it with you at all times. Tell your work, your neighbors, and your child's school that you have an order but may still be in danger.
	If your abuser violates any part of the order, dial 911 and call the police. Many violations of protective orders can result in arrest. Filing for Contempt of Court is another options for you.