If someone is a victim of domestic violence in Maryland, they can seek help from Maryland Courts by filing a Petition for a Protective Order or filing criminal charges against the abuser. When seeking a protective order, for example, the person files a document called a Petition. The Petition will advise the Court about the specific abusive behavior from which the victim is seeking protection. The Petition will also request the court to enter an Order compelling the abuser to stop the behavior. If the Court is satisfied that an Order is warranted, the Court will issue an Order that states that the abuser must refrain from further abuse against the victim. Normally, it also orders the abuser to stay away from the victim’s residence and may require them to move out of a shared home. The abuser will be subject to other requirements, such as staying away from the victim’s workplace or school and turning in all firearms to law enforcement. Any violation of this order by the offender will result in arrest and possible incarceration.