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Call: 414-276-1911

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Call: 414-933-2722 | Text: 414-877-8100

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Restraining Orders

Call 911 if you are in immediate danger!

Restraining Orders in Milwaukee County

Sojourner can provide restraining order assistance to Milwaukee County residents at our office at the Milwaukee County Courthouse located at 901 N. 9th Street, Room 711.

A restraining order is a court order in which the court can order the abuser:

  • Not to hurt you physically or sexually
  • To stay away from you
  • Be removed from your house
  • Have no contact with you, or
  • Stop harassing you.

Restraining orders can be powerful tools, but they are not the answer for everyone

An advocate from Sojourner can help you weigh your options and create a safety plan. To speak with an advocate to see if what you are experiencing fits the legal requirements for a restraining order, please call (414) 278-5079.

If you decide to file a restraining order, it is a two-step process.

Step One

Come to the Milwaukee County Courthouse: 901 N. 9th Street, Room 711.

  • Office Hours: Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
  • Clinic Hours (Sign-up Hours): Monday – Friday, 8:30 a.m.—10:45 a.m. and 1:00p.m.—2:30p.m.
  • FIRST-COME, FIRST-SERVED: It is a 1-2 hour process to file a restraining order, consisting of talking with an advocate and electronically filing your Petition.

Bring the following:

  • The full name of the abuser, with the correct spelling (required)
  • All addresses where the abuser can be found so that the papers can be served (required)

Cost:

  • Domestic abuse restraining orders and child abuse orders are free.
  • Harassment restraining orders have a potential cost of $263 (filing fee is $168 and the Sheriff’s Department charges $95 for service). A fee waiver form is available to see if the fees can be waived.

Step Two

  • You will need to come back to court for the final hearing (Injunction). This hearing will be held within seven to fourteen days of filing, depending on which type of order you file.
  • The abuser may be at the final hearing (Injunction) and might argue that the statements in the petition are not true or might argue that the court should not issue the final order. The abuser is not required to come to the final hearing and might not show up.

If you are unable to visit the courthouse:

For those unable to visit the courthouse, limited filing assistance with an advocate by phone. To schedule an appointment, or join Sojourner’s virtual waitlist, please click the button below.

Join the waitlist

Additional resources

For more information about restraining orders or how to file them, you can download the following PDF brochures:

About Sojourner

Refuge, respite, healing & hope

Sojourner is the most comprehensive provider of domestic violence prevention and intervention services in Wisconsin.

Our 53-bed shelter provides safety and stability for survivors of domestic violence. On-site Advocates walk with survivors on their journey of healing and rebuilding their lives.

We offer support to survivors as they file police reports and restraining orders and connect them with needed services and resources.

Within our innovative Family Peace Center building, survivors can easily access legal, healthcare and social services provided by 13 community partners, including the Milwaukee Police Department, Children’s Wisconsin and Milwaukee Public Schools — all located together under one roof.

Crisis Shelter & Hotline

24-hour Domestic Violence Hotline

Sojourner has been designated the 24-hour Domestic Violence Hotline for the City of Milwaukee and outlying communities since 1986. Staff and volunteers speak directly with victims from the scene of domestic violence incidents investigated by the Milwaukee Police Department and 18 suburban police departments in situations that are subsequently reviewed for criminal charges by the Milwaukee County District Attorney’s office.

Advocates working our 24-Hour Domestic Violence Hotline and Textline offer information and support, and can help survivors of all ages. All conversations are confidential.
 

Call: (414) 933-2722
Text: (414) 877-8100

Sojourner Truth House Shelter

we provide shelter

Operating since 1978, our 53-bed emergency crisis shelter offers safety to those fleeing violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking. We provide basic needs, empathy, security, and support in shelter and through our on-site and community partners.

Call us at (414) 933-2722 or text (414) 877-8100 and take the first step toward building a violence-free life.

Quick Links

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Plan Your Visit

Hours

  • Monday – Thursday: 8am – 6pm
  • Friday: 8am – 5pm

Address

Sojourner Family Peace Center
619 W. Walnut Street
Milwaukee, WI 53212

Main Office: (414) 276-1911

Parking

The entrance to the parking lot is on 7th Street, just south of Walnut Street. Parking is free. Street parking also is available.

Building Access

The facility is locked at all times. Visitors must use the intercom system located at the entrances off Walnut Street and the parking lot.

Bus Routes

  • 42U – North/south on 6th Street
  • 80 – North/south on 6th Street
  • 57 – East/west on Walnut Street