When you are being threatened, stalked, beaten or injured by another person, it is hard to know what to do. The first thing you need to understand is that when you are a victim, it is not your fault. No change in your behavior in that relationship can make another person stop threatening you or abusing you. In the State of California, restraining orders can be sought from the court to help you free yourself of the abuse. This is also called a protection order. The court may issue an order to protect you from an individual or group of individuals for a specified period of time. Once a protective order is in place, if it is violated by the person or people restrained, a criminal charge can be levied and the person or group can be incarcerated. If you need protection, you need an attorney to help you. Once your protective order is in place, the restricted person cannot contact you in any way including calls, messages (including electronic messages), stalk, physically attack, threaten, sexually assault, or harass you. Also, they cannot destroy your property or disturb your peace. Your protection extends to your home, work, child care facilities, schools and any other place you go. For compassionate legal assistance, call The Peninsula Law Group and begin an abuse-free life.