Wisconsin’s New Online Portal Helps Domestic Violence Victims

Clint Mason (CC-BY)

Wisconsinites can now use an online portal to ask for protection through a temporary restraining order.

Survivors of domestic violence still have the option to fill out those forms in-person at a local courthouse. But, for many, the portal is a more accessible option, said Robin Dalton, the legal services director of End Domestic Abuse Wisconsin.

“With the new online portal, they could file any time, 24/7,” Dalton said. “Unfortunately, domestic violence doesn’t have just one certain time of day that it that it occurs, and so it’s important to be able to access it whenever somebody truly is in crisis.”

Typically, a court grants a temporary restraining order, or TRO, to order someone to stay away from someone else. TROs have a limited duration, and are generally in effect for less than two weeks. Those temporary orders are often granted on an emergency basis before an injunction hearing takes places. TROs can lead to a judge granting a more permanent injunction, ordering someone to stay away for a longer period of time.

In Wisconsin, petitioning for a domestic abuse restraining order is free, according to the state court’s website.

Previously, Wisconsinites have had the option to file electronically for TROs, but Dalton says the new portal is “a lot more more streamlined and intuitive,” making it easier for people to file even if they don’t have an attorney. And, with the new portal, people don’t have to register for an online account.

“Every time we remove a barrier, more survivors are protected,” Dalton said.

This summer, Wisconsin’s statewide court system piloted its online TRO petition system in eight counties. The electronic portal launched statewide at the start of September.

The Women’s Center of Waukesha was among the groups that gave feedback during the pilot. Krystal Chase, the center’s director of advocacy and support services, says, for many people, the portal provided a more user-friendly interface during a “scary and difficult” time.

“We have found that it has decreased the amount of time it has taken victims to complete the TRO process, which is a huge benefit when people are afraid for their safety,” Chase said.

Currently, the online portal is only available for domestic abuse and harassment petitions. The portal is not available for child abuse or  individual-at-risk petitions; those forms must be filled out in person or through the preexisting e-filing process for circuit courts.

Wisconsin’s portal launched as part of a project that aimed to improve the process for getting civil protection orders. It was made possible by a grant from the U.S. Department of Justice’s Office on Violence Against Women. Wisconsin’s share of the grant was $138,500.

“It takes an act of courage to file for a restraining order,” said Wisconsin Supreme Court Chief Justice Jill Karofsky in statement. “We want to make it as easy as possible for those who choose to seek court-ordered protection during what is often a challenging and urgent time.”

If you are experiencing domestic violence, help is available through the the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 800-799-7233. You can search for resources in your area through the “Get Help” map from End Domestic Abuse Wisconsin.

Wisconsin’s restraining order process has moved to an online portal. Advocates says it will reduce barriers for domestic violence survivors. was originally published by Wisconsin Public Radio.