[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":526},["ShallowReactive",2],{"articulo-en-violencia-domestica-y-ordenes-de-proteccion-en-puerto-rico":3},{"id":4,"title":5,"body":6,"camino":512,"categoria":513,"description":514,"extension":515,"fecha":516,"meta":517,"minutos":518,"navigation":519,"path":520,"seo":521,"sitemap":522,"stem":524,"updatedAt":523,"__hash__":525},"articulosEn\u002Fen\u002Farticles\u002Fviolencia-domestica-y-ordenes-de-proteccion-en-puerto-rico.md","A general guide to requesting a protection order in Puerto Rico",{"type":7,"value":8,"toc":486},"minimark",[9,13,16,44,49,52,55,59,62,66,69,95,99,107,130,136,144,148,151,161,169,185,195,199,205,208,219,222,228,231,251,260,280,286,300,306,323,327,333,353,359,379,383,388,414,418,421,451,458,472,479],[10,11,12],"p",{},"If you are experiencing domestic violence, it is important to know that protection orders are legal measures and conditions imposed by a court to protect you and your children or the people in your care (where that applies). This guide explains the general points you need to know about the process.",[10,14,15],{},"Immediate steps if you are in danger",[17,18,19,23,26,29,32,35,38,41],"ul",{},[20,21,22],"li",{},"☎️ If you are in immediate danger, call 9-1-1.",[20,24,25],{},"🏡 If you can, move to a safe place.",[20,27,28],{},"🏥 If you need medical attention, seek help.",[20,30,31],{},"📸 If it is safe for you, document injuries or damage (photos, messages).",[20,33,34],{},"👮 If you feel ready, you can file a report with the Police.",[20,36,37],{},"⚖️ You can go to the court when it is safe and possible.",[20,39,40],{},"📞 If you want, contact a legal representative and support services to accompany you.",[20,42,43],{},"🔍 If you think your phone is being monitored, use a safe device (for example, one belonging to someone you trust) or clear your history when you search for help.",[45,46,48],"h2",{"id":47},"what-is-a-protection-order","What is a protection order?",[10,50,51],{},"A protection order is any decision made in writing by a court directing a person who has been abusive to stop carrying out acts that constitute domestic violence. The protection order prohibits that person from approaching or communicating with the person protected by the order.",[10,53,54],{},"In Puerto Rico, these orders rest on Law 54 (the Law for the Prevention of and Intervention in Domestic Violence). It is worth knowing that a protection order, as explained here, is a civil remedy and not a criminal one.",[45,56,58],{"id":57},"what-does-the-term-domestic-violence-cover","What does the term domestic violence cover?",[10,60,61],{},"Among other conduct, domestic violence includes:\n-- Physical abuse.\n-- Economic violence.\n-- Sexual assault.\n-- Psychological or emotional abuse.\n-- Stalking or pursuit.\n-- Intimidation or threats.\n-- Violence can include financial control, isolation, threats involving children, or threats involving immigration status.",[45,63,65],{"id":64},"what-protection-does-the-order-provide","What protection does the order provide?",[10,67,68],{},"A protection order can direct the person who has been abusive to:",[17,70,71,74,77,80,83,86,89,92],{},[20,72,73],{},"Not approach the person requesting the protection order, their home, workplace, or school.",[20,75,76],{},"Not contact the person requesting the protection order by any means (phone, messages, social media, third parties).",[20,78,79],{},"Surrender firearms, if they have any.",[20,81,82],{},"Leave the home if they live together, even where the home is in their name and they are the one paying for it.",[20,84,85],{},"Not interfere with the exercise of custody of the children of the person requesting the protection order.",[20,87,88],{},"Pay provisional child support.",[20,90,91],{},"Attend a workshop on domestic violence.",[20,93,94],{},"The judge may include any other condition necessary for the safety of the person requesting the protection order.",[45,96,98],{"id":97},"types-of-protection-orders","Types of protection orders",[100,101,103],"h3",{"id":102},"_1-ex-parte-or-provisional-protection-order",[104,105,106],"strong",{},"1. Ex parte or provisional protection order",[17,108,109,112,124,127],{},[20,110,111],{},"It can be granted the same day you request it.",[20,113,114,115,119,120,123],{},"It does not require the person who has been abusive to be present. Generally, the court decides whether to grant it based only on the information it receives from you. That is why it is known as ",[116,117,118],"em",{},"ex parte",". ",[116,121,122],{},"Ex parte"," is a Latin phrase meaning \"from one party\".",[20,125,126],{},"If granted, it lasts until the court hearing at which the person who has been abusive is generally present.",[20,128,129],{},"If granted, it offers immediate protection while the final protection order is obtained. Its duration is generally no more than 20 days.",[100,131,133],{"id":132},"_2-final-protection-order",[104,134,135],{},"2. Final protection order",[17,137,138,141],{},[20,139,140],{},"It is granted after a court hearing.",[20,142,143],{},"The person who has been abusive has the right to be present and to defend themselves.",[45,145,147],{"id":146},"who-can-request-a-protection-order","Who can request a protection order?",[10,149,150],{},"A protection order may be requested by:",[152,153,154],"ol",{},[20,155,156,157,160],{},"A ",[104,158,159],{},"person",":",[17,162,163,166],{},[20,164,165],{},"Who is eighteen (18) years of age or older and has survived domestic violence; and",[20,167,168],{},"Who is seeking protection against:\n-- Their spouse or former spouse,\n-- The person they live with or have lived with,\n-- The person with whom they have or have had a consensual relationship; and\n-- The person with whom they have children in common.",[152,170,172,178],{"start":171},2,[20,173,174,177],{},[104,175,176],{},"Parents and adult children",", on behalf of their children and their parents who are or have been victims of domestic violence or of conduct constituting an offense as defined in Law No. 54-1989. In these cases, the parents or adult children must have witnessed the acts of domestic violence, or the victim must have confided in them or disclosed to them that she has been the victim of acts constituting domestic violence.",[20,179,180,181,184],{},"An ",[104,182,183],{},"employer"," may request a protection order on behalf of employees, visitors, and any other person present at the workplace if one of its employees is or has been a victim of domestic violence, or if conduct constituting domestic violence has occurred at the workplace. Before starting this procedure, the employer must notify the employee who is or has been a victim of domestic violence, or of conduct constituting an offense as defined in this law, of its intention to request the protection order.",[10,186,187,190,191,194],{},[116,188,189],{},"Important:"," The person requesting the protection order does not need to be married to, or living with, the person who has been abusive in order to request protection. Additionally, a protection order may be requested and obtained regardless of the ",[104,192,193],{},"sex, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or immigration status"," of any of the people involved in the relationship. It is worth knowing that the right to seek the remedies of Law 54 is not affected by the survivor having left her home to escape domestic violence.",[45,196,198],{"id":197},"the-process-step-by-step","The process step by step",[100,200,202],{"id":201},"step-1-go-to-the-court",[104,203,204],{},"Step 1: go to the court.",[10,206,207],{},"A protection order may be requested:",[152,209,210,213,216],{},[20,211,212],{},"At any Court of First Instance, by filing a verbal or written petition, in person or online through the interactive form of the Tribunal Electrónico; or",[20,214,215],{},"Within any case pending between the parties; or",[20,217,218],{},"At the request of the Prosecutor's Office in a criminal proceeding, or as a condition of probation or parole.",[10,220,221],{},"You do not need a legal representative to request the order, although having legal representation is advisable.",[100,223,225],{"id":224},"step-2-complete-the-petition",[104,226,227],{},"Step 2: complete the petition.",[10,229,230],{},"The forms require the following information:",[17,232,233,236,239,242,245,248],{},[20,234,235],{},"Personal information about the person requesting the protection order and about the person who has been abusive,",[20,237,238],{},"A detailed description of the incidents of violence,",[20,240,241],{},"Dates and places of the events,",[20,243,244],{},"Witnesses (if there are any),",[20,246,247],{},"Evidence of violence (photos, messages, medical records).",[20,249,250],{},"A copy of the driver's license of the person requesting the protection order.",[100,252,254],{"id":253},"step-3-ex-parte-hearing-before-the-judge",[104,255,256,257,259],{},"Step 3: ",[116,258,118],{}," hearing before the judge.",[17,261,262,265,268,274,277],{},[20,263,264],{},"The judge will assess the petition.",[20,266,267],{},"The judge may ask the person requesting the protection order questions about the incident or incidents described in the petition.",[20,269,270,271,273],{},"The judge determines whether immediate danger exists. On concluding that immediate danger exists, the judge will grant the ",[116,272,118],{}," protection order, also called a provisional order.",[20,275,276],{},"This order takes effect immediately and will generally be in force for a term of no more than 20 days.",[20,278,279],{},"The person who has been abusive and the person requesting the protection order will be summoned to a hearing within the 20 days the protection order may last.",[100,281,283],{"id":282},"step-4-notification-to-the-person-who-has-been-abusive",[104,284,285],{},"Step 4: notification to the person who has been abusive.",[17,287,288,291,294,297],{},[20,289,290],{},"Within 48 hours after the ex parte protection order, a court marshal or any other law enforcement officer notifies the order to the person who has been abusive. Alternatively, the court may be asked for permission for any other person over 18 who is not a party to the case to serve the order. Law 54 provides that failure to serve the order within the 48-hour term does not have the effect of voiding the ex parte protection order.",[20,292,293],{},"A copy of the order is delivered to them.",[20,295,296],{},"They are informed of the consequences of violating it.",[20,298,299],{},"The date of the hearing is notified.",[100,301,303],{"id":302},"step-5-final-hearing",[104,304,305],{},"Step 5: final hearing.",[17,307,308,311,314,317,320],{},[20,309,310],{},"Both parties may present evidence.",[20,312,313],{},"Witnesses may testify.",[20,315,316],{},"The judge decides whether to grant the final protection order.",[20,318,319],{},"If the court decides to grant the final protection order, it will do so for the term it considers necessary in its discretion.",[20,321,322],{},"Attending with a legal representative is recommended.",[45,324,326],{"id":325},"important-documents-and-evidence","Important documents and evidence",[100,328,330],{"id":329},"documentary-evidence",[104,331,332],{},"Documentary evidence:",[17,334,335,338,341,344,347,350],{},[20,336,337],{},"Photos of injuries or property damage.",[20,339,340],{},"Text messages, emails, voice messages.",[20,342,343],{},"Screenshots from social media.",[20,345,346],{},"Previous police reports.",[20,348,349],{},"Sworn statements from witnesses.",[20,351,352],{},"You do not need to have all of this evidence in order to request an order. If you have no documentary proof, you can explain what happened and the court will assess your account and any available information.",[100,354,356],{"id":355},"information-about-the-person-who-has-been-abusive",[104,357,358],{},"Information about the person who has been abusive:",[17,360,361,364,367,370,373,376],{},[20,362,363],{},"Full name.",[20,365,366],{},"Date of birth.",[20,368,369],{},"Home and work address.",[20,371,372],{},"Physical description.",[20,374,375],{},"Vehicle information.",[20,377,378],{},"Whether they own firearms.",[45,380,382],{"id":381},"your-rights-during-the-process","Your rights during the process",[10,384,385],{},[104,386,387],{},"You have the right to:",[17,389,390,393,396,399,402,405,408,411],{},[20,391,392],{},"An interpreter if you do not speak Spanish.",[20,394,395],{},"Reasonable accommodations for disability (hearing, mobility, mental health, and others).",[20,397,398],{},"Confidentiality — your address can be kept protected.",[20,400,401],{},"Being accompanied by a support person, such as an advocate.",[20,403,404],{},"A substitute address.",[20,406,407],{},"Being treated with respect and dignity.",[20,409,410],{},"Receiving information about the status of your case.",[20,412,413],{},"Requesting modifications to the order if circumstances change.",[45,415,417],{"id":416},"what-if-the-person-who-has-been-abusive-violates-the-order","What if the person who has been abusive violates the order?",[10,419,420],{},"Violating a protection order is a felony.",[17,422,423,426,429],{},[20,424,425],{},"If the person who has been abusive violates the order, call 9-1-1. You should also document what happened (if it is safe) and notify the court. The consequences may include criminal charges, as well as other related offenses.",[20,427,428],{},"The police must arrest the person who has been abusive.",[20,430,431,432],{},"The person who has been abusive may face:\n",[17,433,434,437,440,448],{},[20,435,436],{},"Criminal charges for contempt, which could result in imprisonment, a fine, or both.",[20,438,439],{},"Additional charges if they committed other offenses.",[20,441,442,443,447],{},"Article 2.8 of Law 54-1989 provides that any knowing violation of a protection order issued under this Law shall be punished as a third-degree felony ",[444,445,446],"span",{},"...",". 8 LPRA sec. 628.",[20,449,450],{},"For its part, the Penal Code of 2012 provides in Article 307(d) that a third-degree felony carries a penalty of imprisonment, therapeutic restriction, home restriction, community service, or a combination of these penalties, for a fixed term of eight (8) years. In that case, the person may be considered for parole by the Parole Board upon serving seventy-five (75) percent of the term of imprisonment imposed. 33 LPRA sec. 5415.",[10,452,453,454,457],{},"Protection orders are a legal tool for protection against domestic violence. If you have survived domestic violence, you do not have to face this situation alone. Remember: domestic violence is ",[104,455,456],{},"NOT your fault",". You deserve to live a life free of violence. If you need to weigh what steps to take, or when to take them, leaning on professionals who focus on gender-based violence can help. It is possible that taking some or all of the actions described here is not safe or possible for you right now. Receiving support from professionals and organizations that serve survivors of domestic violence can help you put the necessary safety measures in place and map out a safe plan.",[10,459,460,461,466,467,471],{},"Do you need help pursuing a protection order? At EQUITAS we know this subject and the court processes around domestic violence. We are here to support and accompany you. We offer confidential consultations and legal representation informed by trauma, diversity, and intersectionality. Call us today at ",[462,463,465],"a",{"href":464},"tel:787-327-2284","(787) 327-2284",", message us on WhatsApp, or arrange a ",[462,468,470],{"href":469},"\u002Fen\u002Fschedule","consultation",".",[10,473,474],{},[116,475,476],{},[104,477,478],{},"Sources and legal notice: This article was written from Law No. 54-1989, as amended through April 19, 2025, and the Penal Code of Puerto Rico, as amended through July 26, 2025. The information provided here is for informational and educational purposes. It does not constitute legal advice, does not replace a professional consultation, and does not create an attorney-client relationship.",[10,480,481],{},[116,482,483],{},[104,484,485],{},"We know that every situation is different and that laws and case law can change. If you need guidance on your case or would like legal representation, you can contact EQUITAS to arrange a confidential consultation.",{"title":487,"searchDepth":171,"depth":171,"links":488},"",[489,490,491,492,497,498,506,510,511],{"id":47,"depth":171,"text":48},{"id":57,"depth":171,"text":58},{"id":64,"depth":171,"text":65},{"id":97,"depth":171,"text":98,"children":493},[494,496],{"id":102,"depth":495,"text":106},3,{"id":132,"depth":495,"text":135},{"id":146,"depth":171,"text":147},{"id":197,"depth":171,"text":198,"children":499},[500,501,502,504,505],{"id":201,"depth":495,"text":204},{"id":224,"depth":495,"text":227},{"id":253,"depth":495,"text":503},"Step 3: ex parte hearing before the judge.",{"id":282,"depth":495,"text":285},{"id":302,"depth":495,"text":305},{"id":325,"depth":171,"text":326,"children":507},[508,509],{"id":329,"depth":495,"text":332},{"id":355,"depth":495,"text":358},{"id":381,"depth":171,"text":382},{"id":416,"depth":171,"text":417},"proteccion","Domestic violence and protection","Protection orders in Puerto Rico: the process step by step, requirements, and the rights of survivors.","md","2025-11-11",{},12,true,"\u002Fen\u002Farticles\u002Fviolencia-domestica-y-ordenes-de-proteccion-en-puerto-rico",{"title":5,"description":514},{"loc":520,"lastmod":523},"2026-09-13","en\u002Farticles\u002Fviolencia-domestica-y-ordenes-de-proteccion-en-puerto-rico","5HSBDhf8PAv1acDtkEf_8rs3y4CV6wA4nw0Uftj7uPE",1789352891034]