A protective order is an order entered by the court as a result of domestic violence. This can be violence against a child, a spouse, a live-in significant other, or some other relative. This is an order that often lasts one year, and can order a variety of things including a stay away order, departure by one party from a jointly owned or rented house, temporary custody of a minor child, emergency family support, temporary use of a vehicle, counseling, temporary possession of a pet, and surrender of a firearm.