Final answer:
A protective order, also known as a restraining order, is issued to protect abused family/household members from further violence, threats, or harassment. It legally restricts the perpetrator's ability to contact or approach the victim and can include various provisions based on the circumstances.
Step-by-step explanation:
The court order issued on behalf of an abused family/household member or a victim of 'act of violence, force or threat' is commonly known as a protective order or a restraining order. These orders are legal decrees designed to protect individuals from further abuse or harassment by requiring the perpetrator to stay a certain distance away or to cease contact with the victim. They may include provisions related to residence, custody, or visitation if children are involved.
According to scholarly research, such as that by Carlson, Harris, and Holden (1999), these protective orders are crucial for mitigating the risk of reabuse in situations of domestic violence. Victims typically apply for protective orders through the court system, and these can be granted in cases involving any form of intimate partner violence (IPV), including physical, sexual, and emotional abuse or threats thereof. IPV represents a significant societal issue, with estimates suggesting that one in four women has experienced some form of IPV in her lifetime.