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Arizona Safety Help

Arizona safety help on orders of protection, injunctions against harassment, same-day filing, and survivor planning.

Answer first

If you are in immediate danger, call 911. Arizona offers two main protective-order tools: an Order of Protection for domestic violence relationships under A.R.S. § 13-3602 and an Injunction Against Harassment for non-family situations involving a pattern of conduct under A.R.S. § 12-1809. Both can generally be filed the same day at a justice, municipal, or superior court at no cost and can be issued ex parte. Once served, a qualifying protective order is generally effective for 1 year and enforceable statewide, and survivors may also qualify for Arizona's Confidential Address Program under A.R.S. § 41-161.

Key rules and deadlines

  • Order of Protection eligibility — Domestic violence by family member, household member, dating partner, or co-parent (A.R.S. § 13-3602)
  • Injunction Against Harassment eligibility — Series of acts by a non-family respondent (A.R.S. § 12-1809)
  • Filing fee — No filing fee (Arizona protective-order rules)
  • Where to file — Any justice, municipal, or superior court (Arizona Courts)
  • Ex parte issuance — Same day if reasonable cause is shown (A.R.S. § 13-3602(E))
  • Order duration — 1 year from service on the defendant (A.R.S. § 13-3602(N))
  • Defendant hearing request — Must request within 10 days after service (A.R.S. § 13-3602(I))
  • Enforcement — Police may arrest for violations (A.R.S. § 13-2810)
  • Full faith and credit — Enforceable in all U.S. states (18 U.S.C. § 2265)
  • Confidential Address Program — Survivors may use a substitute state-provided address (A.R.S. § 41-161)

First steps

  • If there is immediate danger, leave the page and call 911. If possible, contact a trusted Arizona advocate or legal-aid resource from a safer device.
  • Create a private plan for where you can go, who you can call, and what documents or medicines you may need.
  • Document incidents only when it is safe to do so, and consider a protective-order preparation worksheet.

How to move forward

  • Prioritize physical safety — Leave the page and contact emergency services if remaining here could increase danger. Return later from a safer device when possible.
  • Build a safety record carefully — When safe, save dates, injuries, threats, witness names, and copies of messages or photos in a secure place.
  • Connect to trusted support — Use the help directory and Arizona support listings to find shelter, advocacy, or legal assistance in your county.

Frequently asked questions

  • How do I get an Order of Protection in Arizona? — File a petition at a justice, municipal, or superior court and describe the domestic-violence incidents as clearly as possible. Under A.R.S. § 13-3602, you need a qualifying relationship with the respondent, and the judge can issue the order ex parte the same day if reasonable cause exists. The order becomes effective after service, so keep in contact with the serving agency and keep a copy of the signed order with you once service is completed.
  • What is the difference between an Order of Protection and an Injunction Against Harassment? — An Order of Protection is for domestic-violence relationships and may be based on one qualifying incident. An Injunction Against Harassment is for non-family situations and generally requires a series of acts. Both can restrict contact and physical proximity, but the relationship category matters because it controls which legal remedy applies and what additional consequences, including firearm restrictions, may follow.
  • Will an Order of Protection show up in public records? — Often yes, unless extra confidentiality measures are used. Court records are generally public, so survivors worried about address exposure should ask about the Confidential Address Program, using a substitute mailing address where permitted, and requesting protection for sensitive details. The Arizona Confidential Address Program can help survivors avoid placing their home address on public-facing records.
  • Can I get an order if I was not physically injured? — Yes. Physical injury is not required. Threats, stalking, intimidation, criminal damage, unlawful imprisonment, harassment, and other qualifying conduct may support an order depending on the relationship and facts. Save texts, voicemails, screenshots, photographs, and a dated incident log because details and timelines matter when the court evaluates reasonable cause.

Primary sources

Related documents

  • Personal safety plan — A private planning worksheet covering emergency contacts, safe exits, medication, and documents.
  • Protective order preparation sheet — A structured worksheet to organize incidents, evidence, children involved, and safety needs before filing.

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