California What if the Person I Want Protection From is Avoiding or Evading Service — Civil Harassment Violence Prevention is a form of legal protection available in California for victims of civil harassment and domestic violence. This protection is available to people who are in fear of violence or abuse, even if the person they are afraid of is avoiding or evading service of the restraining order. The Violence Prevention Act (VIA) was enacted in 1993 to protect victims of domestic violence, stalking, and other forms of abuse. It granted victims the right to obtain a restraining order to protect themselves from their abuser. However, the restraining order is only effective if the abuser is served with the order. If the abuser is avoiding or evading service, then the victim needs to take additional steps to protect themselves. The California What if the Person I Want Protection From is Avoiding or Evading Service — Civil Harassment Violence Prevention enables victims of civil harassment or domestic violence to obtain a court order that directs the alleged abuser to stay away from them. This protection is available regardless of whether the abuser is avoiding or evading service of the restraining order. There are two types of California What if the Person I Want Protection From is Avoiding or Evading Service — Civil Harassment Violence Prevention orders available in California. The first is a Civil Harassment Prevention Order which is issued when a person is in fear of violence or stalking from a specific individual or group. The second type of order is a Domestic Violence Prevention Order which is issued when a person is in fear of violence or abuse from a current or former spouse, cohabitant, or someone with whom they have a child or have had a dating relationship. These orders can contain various provisions such as prohibiting the abuser from contacting the victim, staying away from the victim’s home, workplace, or school, and requiring the abuser to surrender any weapons they may possess. Additionally, the orders can also grant the victim exclusive use of shared property, award temporary child custody, and provide financial support. The court order will remain in effect until it is terminated by the court. Victims of civil harassment or domestic violence can also seek additional protection through a criminal restraining order which is issued by a criminal court.