• VPO: Victim Protective Order 
• Petitioner or plaintiff: The person who is seeking protection and filing the VPO 
• Defendant or respondent: The person who the petitioner is seeking protection from; the individual that the VPO is filed against 

What is a Victim Protective Order (VPO)?

• A VPO is a civil court order designed to protect a victim and/or their child(ren) and pet(s) from abuse, stalking, or harassment from an abuser.
• A VPO can order the abuser to stop abusing, harassing, threatening or stalking the victim.

What does a VPO not do? 

• A VPO does not decide custody or visitation of minor children. 
• A VPO does not determine who property is awarded to. 

Who can file a VPO? 

• VPOs are available to people who have been abused by a family or household member. 
• VPOs are also available to people who are experiencing stalking and/or harassment.  
• Anyone 16 years or older can file a VPO. A parent can also file for a VPO on behalf or a minor child. 

How much does it cost to file a VPO? 

• There is no fee to file a protective order.
• Court costs are usually assigned to the defendant. 
• If the petitioner dismisses the VPO or does not show up to court, they may be ordered to pay the court costs. 

What do I need to file a VPO? 

• The forms to file a VPO.
• Defendant’s first and last name, and an address for them to be served. 

Where can I file a VPO? 

• The petitioner can file a VPO in the county they live in, in the county where the defendant lives, or in the county where the abuse occurred.
• Obtain VPO paperwork and file the VPO at your county courthouse. Local domestic violence service providers may also have the paperwork. 
• If you need help filling out the paperwork, your local domestic violence service provider may be able to help.
• If after hours, you can call or text 911 and request an emergency protective order.

What happens after I file a VPO? 

• A court date will be provided to you for a final protective order hearing. 
• Respondent will be served and will also receive a copy of the protective order you filed; they will also be notified of the court date. 
• You and the respondent should present to the court hearing at the courthouse on the date and time set.
• It is important to attend the hearing so that a final decision can be made by the judge. 

Do I need an attorney? 

• You do not need an attorney for the court date. However, you can explore legal options including a private attorney or contacting your local Legal Aid of Oklahoma Services. 

What do I do at court?

• Bring any evidence you may have including photographs or recordings of incidents you included in the petition, police reports, medical records, etc. 
• Take an advocate or friend to court with you to provide emotional support 
• Request a police or sheriff escort to/from the courtroom and/or parking area 

What do I do once I have a final protective order? 

• Keep a copy of the protective order on any parties protected by the order.
• Inform and provide copies of the order to work, school, or apartment complex. 

What do I do if a VPO is violated? 

• You can call the police to report the violation. 
• If the violation is pursued by the district attorney’s office, the first violation is a misdemeanor and any other violations are felony charges. 
• The petitioner cannot violate their own VPO. 

Is my VPO valid if I move out of state? 

• Yes! Your VPO is enforceable in any state or tribal land that you move to or live in.
• You don’t have to register your VPO if you move, but it’s a good idea to inform local law enforcement about your VPO.