While studies have shown that protection orders do help reduce violence overall, such an order, also called a restraining order, will not necessarily protect you front your abuser. While a protection order is in many cases an important legal step to take in a domestic abuse case or divorce case, it is, at the end of the day, simply a piece of paper that will not guarantee your safety. After obtaining a protection order, be sure to take further steps to ensure your physical safety: go somewhere safe where your abuser may not know how to find you, alert your friends, relatives, and employer to your situation, and take advantage of local domestic violence resources.