A Domestic Abuse Restraining Order (DARO) in Iowa is a civil protective order designed to protect individuals from violence or threats by someone with whom they share a close personal or intimate relationship. These orders fall under Iowa Code Chapter 236.

🔍 What Is a Domestic Abuse Restraining Order?

A Domestic Abuse Restraining Order—also called a civil protective order—is a court order that directs the abusive person to stop harmful behavior and stay away from the person seeking protection. It’s different from a criminal no-contact order because:

• It can be filed without criminal charges.

• It’s a civil court matter.

• It provides customized protection (stay-away orders, temporary custody, firearm restrictions, etc.).

There are three types of protection orders under Chapter 236:

1. Emergency Order (Ex Parte) – Issued when the court is closed and immediate danger exists; usually expires within 72 hours.

2. Temporary Protective Order – Granted after filing a petition; stays in effect until a court hearing is held.

3. Permanent Protective Order – Issued after a full hearing and may last up to one year (renewable).

⚖️ Legal Definition of Domestic Abuse (Iowa Code § 236.2)

To qualify under Chapter 236, the abuse must involve assault, which includes:

• Intentional physical injury or pain

• Offensive or insulting physical contact

• Causing fear of physical harm

• Threatening someone with a weapon (including firearms or laser devices)

Note: Verbal abuse or emotional harm alone does not meet the legal definition unless paired with physical threats or violence.

👥 Who Qualifies for Protection Under Chapter 236?

You must have one of the following relationships with the person you're seeking protection from:

• Current or former spouse

• Parent of the same minor child

• Current or former cohabitant (living together in a romantic relationship within the past year)

• Family or household member you lived with at the time of the abuse

• A person you have or had an intimate relationship with in the last year and had recent contact

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You must have one of the following relationships with the person you're seeking protection from:

• Current or former spouse

• Parent of the same minor child

• Current or former cohabitant (living together in a romantic relationship within the past year)

• Family or household member you lived with at the time of the abuse

• A person you have or had an intimate relationship with in the last year and had recent contact

🛡️ Civil Harassment Protective Orders in Iowa

Iowa Code Chapter 664A – Civil Harassment

A Civil Harassment Protective Order helps individuals facing harassment or intimidation—but not domestic abuse—from strangers, acquaintances, neighbors, coworkers, or others without the qualifying relationship under domestic abuse law.

📚 1. Legal Basis – Iowa Code § 664A

• Chapter 664A authorizes courts to issue civil protective/no-contact orders when someone is harassing or intimidating another—outside family or intimate relationships.

• Harassment may involve threats, stalking, or repeated unwanted contact that causes reasonable fear or emotional distress.

⚠️ 2. Who It Protects

These orders apply when no domestic relationship exists (such as spouse, co‑parent, ex, intimate partner, or household member). Instead, the respondent may be:

• A neighbor

• Coworker

• Stranger met online

• Any non-domestic contact

The purpose is to prevent harassment through no-contact restraints in public or private settings.

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1. Judge may grant an ex parte (emergency) order immediately, which can be in effect until a full hearing—typically within days.

2. Respondent is served notice of the motion or emergency order.

3. Full court hearing: Both parties present evidence; if harassment is proven by a clear preponderance, the judge issues a final protective order.

4. Order terms may include:

   • No-contact requirements (in person, phone, online)

   • Stay-away directives from specific places (home, work, school)

   • Prohibition on harassment behaviors

5. Violation of an order is enforceable by law, including arrest for contempt or criminal penalty under § 664A.7

🚫 What Is Stalking or Harassment?

Under Iowa law:

• Stalking involves repeated behavior that causes someone to fear for their safety or the safety of others. This could include:

  • Following or monitoring someone

  • Showing up uninvited

  • Repeated phone calls, texts, or online messages

  • Using GPS or technology to track someone

  • Making threats, directly or indirectly

• Harassment is conduct meant to annoy, threaten, or alarm someone. It may include:

  • Insulting or taunting language

  • Repeated contact (in person, by phone, or online)

  • Verbal abuse or threats that cause fear or distress

📜 What Code Covers This?

Iowa Code Chapter 708A.1–708A.3 governs civil protective orders for victims of stalking or harassment. These laws allow the victim to petition the court for protection without needing a criminal case.

✅ Who Qualifies?

You can request a civil stalking or harassment no-contact order if:

• You are being stalked or harassed by someone who is not a current or former spouse, dating partner, cohabitant, or family member.

• You do not qualify for a Domestic Abuse Protective Order under Chapter 236.

• The stalking or harassment is repeated, intentional, and causes you fear, emotional distress, or threatens your safety.

Examples of eligible situations:

• A neighbor who follows you and won’t leave you alone

• A stranger online who continually sends you disturbing messages

• A coworker or acquaintance who harasses or tracks you after being told to stop