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A Protection Order (Schutzanordnung) is a legal tool that German courts use to shield people from violence, threats, or harassment. It creates immediate legal boundaries, forcing the person causing harm to stay away from the protected person's home, workplace, or other specific locations.

Under the Protection Against Violence Act (Gewaltschutzgesetz), these orders can require the threatening party to stop all contact, including phone calls, messages, and emails. Breaking a Protection Order is a criminal offense in Germany, leading to fines or imprisonment. Courts typically process these requests quickly, often within 24 hours in urgent cases.

Consider seeking a Protection Order when you face immediate threats to your safety or well-being in Germany. Common situations include experiencing domestic violence, stalking, repeated harassment, or threatening behavior that makes you feel unsafe at home or work. The urgency to file increases if your aggressor ignores verbal warnings or police reports.

Time is crucial - apply for the order (Schutzanordnung) as soon as possible after incidents occur. Document all threatening behavior, save messages or emails, and gather witness statements if available. German courts prioritize cases involving clear danger, especially when children are affected or when the aggressor lives in close proximity.

• Domestic Violence Order (Gewaltschutzanordnung): Prevents contact and enforces distance between parties in cases of domestic abuse
• Residential Protection Order (Wohnungszuweisung): Grants exclusive use of a shared home to the protected person
• Stalking Protection Order (Anti-Stalking-Verfügung): Stops harassment, following, or unwanted communication from stalkers
• Child Protection Order (Kinderschutzanordnung): Specifically protects minors from abuse or threats, often including school and daycare locations
• Workplace Protection Order (Arbeitsplatzbezogene Schutzanordnung): Keeps aggressors away from the protected person's workplace and colleagues

• Protected Persons: Individuals seeking safety from violence, threats, or harassment, including victims of domestic abuse, stalking, or workplace threats
• German Courts: Issue and enforce Protection Orders, especially family courts (Familiengerichte) and local courts (Amtsgerichte)
• Legal Representatives: Lawyers who help victims file applications and navigate the legal process
• Police Officers: Enforce Protection Orders and respond to violations, often serving as first responders
• Social Services: Support workers and counselors who assist victims and recommend Protection Orders when necessary
• Restricted Parties: Individuals required to follow the order's restrictions, facing penalties for violations

• Personal Details: Gather full names, addresses, and contact information for both protected and restricted parties
• Incident Documentation: Collect police reports, medical records, witness statements, threatening messages, or photos of injuries
• Location Details: List all places needing protection (home, workplace, school, etc.) with exact addresses
• Specific Threats: Document exact nature of threats or violence, including dates and times
• Protection Scope: Define minimum distance requirements and types of contact to be prohibited
• Safety Plan: Create emergency contacts list and safe locations for temporary refuge if needed

• Identification Section: Full names, addresses, and relationships of protected and restricted parties
• Prohibited Actions: Clear list of banned behaviors (approaching, contacting, threatening) with specific distances
• Protected Locations: Exact addresses and perimeters of all places where restrictions apply
• Duration Clause: Specific start date and end date or conditions for review
• Emergency Provisions: Immediate actions permitted if violations occur
• Legal Basis: Reference to Gewaltschutzgesetz and relevant German laws
• Enforcement Terms: Consequences of violations and police authority to enforce
• Court Details: Issuing court's information and case reference number

A Protection Order and a Restraining Order (Unterlassungsverfügung) are often confused in Germany, but they serve different purposes and have distinct legal implications.

• Legal Basis: Protection Orders are issued under the Gewaltschutzgesetz and focus specifically on protecting individuals from violence or threats, while Restraining Orders can be issued for broader civil disputes, including business conflicts or property issues
• Scope of Protection: Protection Orders typically include immediate housing arrangements and police enforcement powers, whereas Restraining Orders generally focus on stopping specific behaviors without additional protective measures
• Processing Speed: Protection Orders are processed urgently, often within 24 hours in domestic violence cases. Restraining Orders follow standard civil court procedures with longer processing times
• Enforcement: Violating a Protection Order is a criminal offense with immediate police intervention, while Restraining Order violations usually result in civil penalties through court proceedings