What Is a Civil Protection Order?

Civil protection orders — also called restraining orders or protective orders depending on jurisdiction — can address NCII in several ways. A victim can petition a court to prohibit a perpetrator from distributing intimate images, communicating with the victim, or approaching the victim. Emergency CPOs can often be obtained within 24-48 hours without the perpetrator present. CPOs are most useful when the perpetrator is known. They do not address content already posted on third-party platforms — the Section 223a notice process handles that. Together, CPOs (targeting the perpetrator) and 223a notices (targeting the platforms) provide complementary protection.

Key facts about this term

1. CPOs address the perpetrator; notices address platforms A civil protection order prohibits the perpetrator from acting further. A Section 223a notice removes existing content from platforms. Both are often needed simultaneously.
2. Emergency CPOs can be obtained quickly Most states allow emergency or temporary CPOs to be issued within 24-48 hours without the perpetrator's participation. A court hearing is typically required within 14-21 days to make the order permanent.
3. CPO violations carry criminal penalties Violating a civil protection order is typically a criminal offense — contempt of court, misdemeanor, or felony depending on jurisdiction. This creates a significant deterrent against continued NCII distribution.