Relief may be sought
Someone who has been hurt, threatened, or stalked by a family member, household member, or someone they know can ask a court for protection by filling out and signing a special form. Leaving home to get away from the danger does not take away that person's right to ask for help. Once a court issues a protection order, it works everywhere in Missouri, in every city and county.
455.020. may be sought — effective, where. — 1. Any person who has been subject to by a present or former family or household member, or who has been the victim of or , may seek relief under sections 455.010 to 455.085 by a alleging such domestic violence, stalking, or sexual assault by the .
2. A person's right to relief under sections 455.010 to 455.085 shall not be affected by the person leaving the residence or household to avoid domestic violence.
3. Any protection issued sections 455.010 to 455.085 shall be effective throughout the state in all cities and counties.
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Source & history notes
(L. 1980 S.B. 524 § 3, A.L. 1986 S.B. 450, A.L. 1989 S.B. 420, A.L. 1993 H.B. 476 & 194, A.L. 2011 S.B. 320, A.L. 2013 H.B. 215, A.L. 2015 S.B. 321 merged with S.B. 341)
Legal information, not legal advice. Always confirm with the official source at revisor.mo.gov.