A judge can issue a restraining order immediately without a hearing, depending on the seriousness of the allegations. When a restraining order is first issued, it is usually temporary. A hearing date will be set by the court for both parties to appear within 20 days. At the court hearing, testimonies from both the parties will be heard. This will determine whether the temporary restraining order should be made permanent or not. If the victim provides evidence of abuse, the court will issue a permanent restraining order. This order will refrain the abuser from having any physical contact with the victim, either directly or indirectly.
