Abuse & Harassment

Options for filing a request (complaint) for protection from abuse or protection from harassment:

Self-represented litigants (filers without a lawyer):

• To learn more about how to file (including a step-by-step on how to file by email), visit the Frequently Asked Questions page and the Guide to Protection from Abuse or Harassment.

Attorneys

Courts with eFiling: Attorneys in courts where eFiling is available are required electronic filers under Rule 33(B)(1) of the Maine Rules of Electronic Court Systems (MRECS) and must file using eFileMaine. To learn more about eFiling, and to see a list of courts accepting eFiling, visit the Maine eCourts page.

• Required electronic filers may request to be excused from mandatory use of the eFileMaine for good cause. See M.R.E.C.S. 33(D).
• Completion of form PA-027 is necessary to file a complaint electronically.

Courts without eFiling: Attorneys who want to file in courts that have not yet implemented Maine eCourts may file conventionally (in-person, email, or mail).

• To learn more about how to file, visit the Frequently Asked Questions page and the Guide to Protection from Abuse or Harassment.

Protection Order Forms

Use the following form packets to ask for protection:

For use when filing by EMAIL:

• For Email Filing: Forms to file a Protection from Abuse (PDF)
• For Email Filing: Forms to file a Protection from Harassment (PDF)
• For Email Filing: Forms to file a Motion to Extend Order for Protection (PDF)
• List of email addresses by court region for use in Protection from Abuse & Harassment emailed filings (PDF)

For use when filing IN PERSON at the courthouse:

• For Paper Filing: Forms to file a Protection from Abuse (PDF)
• For Paper Filing: Forms to file Protection from Harassment (PDF)
• For Paper Filing: Forms to file a Motion to Extend Order for Protection (PDF)

For all other court forms in Protection from Abuse or Harassment cases, see the Court Forms page.

How law enforcement can help

Maine law enforcement officers receive special training to help victims of domestic violence prevent further abuse. Officers may:

• Give the victim written information about domestic violence or sexual assault help that is available locally, and how to file a protection from abuse case;
• Remain on the scene of the alleged abuse as long as the officer reasonably believes there is a danger to the physical safety of the victim without the officer being there;
• Assist the victim in obtaining medical treatment caused by the abuse; and/or
• Arrest an individual with or without a warrant if the officer reasonably believes that there has been a violation of a previously granted temporary or final protection from abuse order. The violation of the order does not need to have taken place in the presence of the officer.

How an advocate can help

If you are worried for yourself or for someone else, consider contacting the following resources.

• Statewide Domestic Abuse Helpline: 1-866-834-HELP (free and confidential). Individuals who are deaf, late-deafened, or hard of hearing: 1-800-437-1220.
• Statewide Sexual Assault Helpline: 1-800-871-7741 (free and confidential)
• Maine Coalition to End Domestic Violence
• Maine Coalition Against Sexual Assault
• Wabanaki Women's Coalition:
  • Micmac Domestic & Sexual Violence Advocacy Center: 207-551-3639
  • Maliseet Domestic & Sexual Violence Advocacy Center: 207-532-6401
  • Indian Township Passamaquoddy Domestic & Sexual Violence Advocacy Center:
    207-214-1917
  • Passamaquoddy Peaceful Relations Domestic & Sexual Violence Advocacy Center:
    1-877-853-2613
  • Penobscot Nation Domestic & Sexual Violence Advocacy Center: 207-631-4886

  When you contact one of the above resources, you will be connected with an advocate. An advocate is a trained person who can:

  • Give information about protection orders and help you understand what happens in court;
  • Help with court paperwork and find legal help;
  • Give you support and information;
  • Help with other services like housing, counseling, support groups, and mental health help;
  • Help with safety planning; and/or
  • Provide information on how to file if you are under 18.

  Additional resources

  • If you are a victim of violence, abuse, or harassment and believe you are in immediate danger, call 9-1-1.
  • To learn more about the process of filing for a protection order, please review:
    • The Judicial Branch’s "Guide to Protection from Abuse and Harassment Cases." You can access this guide on the court's website or request a copy from the clerk at the courthouse. The guide contains information for both plaintiffs and defendants.

    Related Links

    • Guide to Protection from Abuse and Harassment Cases (PDF)
    • Filing a PFA or a PFH Case (PDF)
    • Find a Court
    • Court Forms
    • Get Legal Help
    • Violence Prevention Resources-Maine Department of Health and Human Resources

    Copyright © 2023
    State of Maine Judicial Branch
    All rights reserved.

    State Government

    • Maine.gov
    • Legislature Home
    • Maine Statutes
    • Website Accessibility
    • Document Viewers

    Quick Links

    • Find a Court
    • Schedules & Closings
    • Court Rules
    • Administrative Orders
    • SJC Opinions
    • Legal Glossary
    • Legal Help & Guides

    Connect with Us

    Administrative Office of the Courts

    Portland, ME 04112-0792