It is written primarily for battered women who want and need an order of protection to protect themselves from violent partners, want to press criminal charges against their abusers without filing for legal separation or divorce, and do not have enough money to hire a private attorney but do not qualify for help from Legal Services. The booklet is written in a question- and-answer format. Among the questions considered are who is protected by IDVA, what is not covered, what abuse is, the nature of an order of protection, when an order of protection can be obtained, and how long an order of protection lasts. Other topics explained are where to get an order of protection and how to get it. The appendixes contain definitions, a petition for an order of protection, order-of-protection forms, procedures for amending an order of protection, an explanation of In Forma Pauperis, the definition of unauthorized practice of law, and police officer responsibilities under the IDVA.