Restraining Orders in California

TLDR

The authors compiled statewide administrative data on all restraining order types. In 2003, California had 227,941 active restraining orders, predominantly for domestic violence, with the highest rates among men, African Americans, and 25‑to‑34‑year‑olds; most orders protected women and restrained men, 19.3% involved same‑sex parties, and 9.2% lacked firearm restrictions despite legal prohibitions.

Abstract

The authors tabulated statewide administrative data for all types of restraining orders. On June 6, 2003, there were 227,941 active restraining orders against adults in California; most were for domestic violence. Rates of restraining orders (i.e., restrained persons) were highest for men, African Americans, and 25- to 34-year-olds. In 72.2% of the orders, a woman was to be protected and a man was to be restrained; in 19.3%, the restrained and protected persons were of the same sex. Although state law prohibits the purchase or possession of a firearm by persons against whom a restraining order is issued, 9.2% of the orders documented no firearm restrictions.