Domestic violence shatters trust, safety, and sleep. You may feel trapped, ashamed, or unsure what counts as abuse. You are not alone, and you are not overreacting. Utah law gives you tools to protect yourself and your children. One key tool is a protective order. It can force an abuser to leave your home. It can stop contact. It can help you keep custody and control of your everyday life. This guide explains how domestic violence works under Utah law, how protective orders function in Sandy, and what steps you can take today. You will see what to expect in court, how police respond, and how a Sandy divorce lawyer can support your safety plan. You deserve peace and a clear path forward.
What Counts as Domestic Violence in Utah?
Domestic violence is not only involve hitting. Utah law covers many acts when they happen between family or household members. That can include a spouse, ex, partner, co-parent, roommate, or someone you date or used to date.
Abuse can include:
- Punching, slapping, choking, or pushing
- Blocking a doorway so you cannot leave
- Threats to hurt you, your children, pets, or relatives
- Throwing things, breaking items, punching walls
- Forced sex or sexual contact you did not want
- Controlling money, keys, meds, or papers to trap you
- Endless calls, texts, or tracking your phone or car
You do not need bruises or hospital visits for it to count. Fear and control are warning signs. If you feel you must change what you say, wear, or do to stay safe, that is a problem the law takes seriously.
Types of Protective Orders in Sandy
Protective orders are court orders that can give you space and safety. Utah has different types. Each one fits a different situation.
| Type of Order | Who It Protects | How You Get It | How Long It Can Last
|
|---|---|---|---|
| Domestic Violence Protective Order | Current or former spouse, partner, co-parent, or roommate | File in district court in or near Sandy | Temporary order for days. Final order can last years |
| Civil Stalking Injunction | Anyone stalked or harassed, even by a stranger | File in district court | Can last years, sometimes longer with renewal |
| Child Protective Order | Child under 18 who is abused or harmed | Filed by parent, guardian, or certain adults | Short term at first. Court can extend |
You can read Utah’s statewide protective order forms and rules on the Utah Courts Protective Orders page. This site shows current forms and basic steps.
What a Protective Order Can Do for You?
A judge can shape a protective order to match your situation. Common parts include:
- No contact by phone, text, email, social media, or in person
- No contact at home, work, school, or other places you go
- Removal of the abuser from the home, even if the lease is in that name
- Temporary custody and parent-time rules for children
- No guns or other weapons
- Orders to stay away from your car or workplace
If the abuser breaks the order, you can call police. Violation is a crime. You do not need to argue with the abuser or show the order in the moment. Officers can look it up.
Steps to Get a Protective Order in Sandy
You can seek protection even if you still live with the abuser or have not left yet. Here is a clear three step path.
Step 1. Get Safe Support
- If you face immediate danger, call 911
- Call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233
- Reach a Utah shelter or crisis line for safety planning
Step 2. Fill Out the Court Forms
- Use the Utah Courts online forms or visit the courthouse
- Write clear facts about what happened and when
- List any witnesses, photos, texts, or medical records you have
Truth is crucial. If you are unsure of dates, say “around” or “about.” The court wants your honest memory, not perfect detail.
Step 3. Go to Court for the Hearing
- A judge may give a temporary order the same day you file
- A full hearing is often set within days or weeks
- The abuser has a right to attend that hearing and speak
- You can bring a support person, advocate, or lawyer
If you do not go to the hearing, the temporary order may end. If you feel fear about seeing the abuser, tell court staff. Ask if you can wait in a different room or use other safety steps.
How Protective Orders Affect Kids and Family Life
Protective orders can help shield children from chaos. A judge can:
- Give you temporary custody
- Limit or supervise visits with the other parent
- Set safe exchange spots like police stations or public places
- Bar the abuser from using kids to send you messages
These orders are not permanent custody orders. They do shape what happens while a case moves forward. They also build a record of abuse that a family court can use later.
Working With Police and the Court
Police in Sandy follow Utah law and local policy. When you call, they can:
- Separate you and the abuser
- Check for weapons
- Look up any active protective order
- Document injuries and damage
- Arrest if they see a crime or order violation
The Utah Department of Public Safety explains rights of crime victims and basic police duties at the state level. You can review those rights at the Utah Office for Victims of Crime website.
At court, you can expect:
- To speak under oath about what happened
- To answer questions from the judge
- To see the other person on the other side of the room
- To share photos, texts, or other proof if you have them
You do not need a lawyer to ask for a protective order. Yet many people feel more steady with one. A divorce lawyer can help you tell your story, protect your rights with your children, and connect your protective order to any divorce or custody case.
Planning Your Next Three Moves
Leaving abuse is not one choice. It is a series of small moves. You can start today with three actions:
- Tell one trusted person what is happening
- Gather key items like IDs, birth certificates, meds, and a spare key
- Review Utah protective order forms so you know what they ask
You do not owe anyone silence. You deserve respect in your own home. Utah law gives you tools to claim that respect. A protective order is one of those tools. With clear steps, strong support, and steady legal help, you can move from fear to control of your own life.