Click Here to Find a Lawyer or Attorney

You do not need a lawyer  or an attorney to file for an Order for Protection. However, you may wish to have a lawyer or an attorney, especially if your abuser has a lawyer or an attorney. If you can, contact a lawyer or an attorney to make sure that your legal rights are protected.

Order for Protection- Minnesota

An Order For Protection (OFP) is a court order that will help to protect you from domestic abuse. An Order For Protection tells the abuser to stop harming or threatening you. Domestic abuse is defined as any of the following conduct between family or household members: physical harm, injury, assault, rape, terrorist threats, or making a person fearful of harm or injury or assault. Examples include hitting, kicking, pushing, punching, slapping, pulling hair, choking, holding you down, threatening to harm or kill you or the children, forcing sex (even if you are married), or any sexual contact with a child.

• Any family or household member may ask the court for an Order For Protection. A family or household member means married or divorced people; parents and their children; persons related by blood (such as brothers, sisters, uncles, aunts, or grandparents); and people who live together or have lived together in the past. People who have never lived together may also ask for an Order For Protection if they have a child together or have been involved in a significant romantic or sexual relationship. You can also apply for an Order For Protection to protect a child in your family or household.
  
  
• Victims of abuse who are at least 16 years old may get an Order For Protection against an abuser they are or were married to or have a child with. Other victims of abuse under 18 years old must have another family or household member or an adult (at least 25 years old) get an Order For Protection for them.
  
  
• If you are worried about a child in someone else's family or household, you may be able to apply for an Order For Protection, but it is usually best to report the abuse to the police or Child Protection Services first.
  
  
• If you are worried about an adult in someone else's family or household being abused, you should call the police or Adult Protection Services.
  
  
• If you do not qualify for an Order For Protection, you may be able to get a Harassment Restraining Order (HRO).

Note: If you are married to the abuser, you do NOT need to start a divorce to be able to apply for an Order For Protection.

No! Whether or not you have a court order, it is against the law for anyone to assault, rape, injure, or threaten you. While a court order doesn't guarantee protection, it does make it easier to protect you. It tells the abuser that further threats or abuse will lead to arrest, criminal charges, and possibly jail or a fine. Orders For Protection make it easier for the police to arrest the abuser. Orders For Protection do work!

1. Go to the courthouse (you may want to call the courthouse first to see if you need an appointment or to get instructions):
   
   1. in the county where you live, or
   2. in the county where the abuser lives, or
   3. in the county where the abuse happened, or
   4. in the county where you and the abuser had other family court cases.
   
   
   
2. Ask the court clerk for "Order For Protection" forms. Fill out the forms. Detailed instructions are available and the court staff or an advocate (a non-lawyer helper) may help you file a Petition (that tells the court what you want) and an Affidavit (that tells the court what happened).
   
   
3. If you need immediate protection because you believe you are in danger, ask for an Emergency (Ex Parte) Order. This is an order signed the same day you apply, before the abuser knows about the action. An Emergency (Ex Parte) Order will give you immediate protection once it is served on the abuser until there is a hearing.
   
   
4. There are no fees for an Order For Protection.
   
   
5. YOU DO NOT HAVE TO HAVE A LAWYER.
   
   
6. In most cases, the court will set a hearing date for no more than 14 days after you apply for an Order For Protection; seven days if you have received an Emergency (Ex Parte) Order For Protection. The law gives you the option of obtaining an Order For Protection without ever having a hearing. See below for more information on this option.
   
   
7. When you go to the courtroom, it is helpful to bring with you:
   
   1. a picture of the abuser, if you have one;
   2. the abuser's home address and work address;
   3. written notes describing the abuse and when it happened; and
   4. any pictures, police reports, or medical reports related to the abuse.

1. Order the abuser not to harm or threaten you or the children.
2. Order the abuser out of or to stay away from the home you live in, even if you have left the home temporarily to seek shelter.
3. Order the abuser to stay away from where you work, or where you go to school.
4. Order the abuser not to contact or call you or the children.
5. Give you temporary custody or temporary visitation for any children you have with the abuser.
6. Order temporary child support for any children you have with the abuser.
7. Order temporary support (alimony) for you if you are married to the abuser.
8. Order counseling, treatment, or other social services for one or both of you.
9. Award you or the abuser the temporary right to keep or use certain items of personal property. The court can order one or both of you not to sell, give away, or damage the property.
10. Order the sheriff to help you get your possessions out of the home or to provide protection when you get your possessions from the home.
11. Order other help needed to protect you or the children.
12. Order the abuser to pay for expenses you had to pay because of the domestic abuse. These may include medical expenses or the cost of replacing or repairing destroyed or damaged property.
13. Order the abuser to continue insurance for you and/or the children.

• If you know where to find the abuser, the Petition and any Emergency (Ex Parte) Order must be personally handed to (served on) the abuser. This is done by the Sheriff. There is no cost to you for the service.
  
  
• What if I don't know where the abuser is, or if the abuser is hiding or can't be found? There are special ways to serve people who can't be found. The court can order service in other ways, such as mailing the papers to an address where the abuser might get mail. The court can also order service by publishing the Petition in a newspaper's legal notice section or in a special legal newspaper. The court clerk or advocate will help you fill out special forms. You should check with the court no later than 14 days after you filed the Order For Protection to find out if the abuser has been served and to find out if you must fill out any special forms.

You must show up at the hearing! If you don't, any Emergency (Ex Parte) Order you have will be dismissed. If the abuser was served with the Petition and Emergency (Ex Parte) Order and does not show up for the court hearing, the judge will review your requests and usually will give you the Order For Protection you have requested. At the hearing, you will tell the judge what happened. You may bring witnesses. You are not required to present evidence other than your own testimony. But, it usually helps to bring police reports or medical records, and any photographs of injuries, as well as witnesses who saw the abuse or your injuries or heard you or the children being abused or threatened. [NOTE: You may not be able to use written reports, affidavits, or statements from persons who are not at the hearing as witnesses.] The abuser also has a chance to tell the court his or her side of the story. The judge may ask questions, and you and the abuser may be allowed to ask each other questions. The judge will usually make a decision right away about whether to issue an Order For Protection.

You may have an advocate with you. You may also have a lawyer, but YOU DO NOT HAVE TO HAVE A LAWYER.

Sometimes the abuser will also file a Petition for an Order For Protection, claiming that you have abused him/her as well. The judge may choose to hear both Petitions at the same time and decide who should get an Order For Protection. If the abuser has not filed a Petition against you, a judge will not issue a "Mutual Order For Protection" (an order against both you and the abuser).

The Order for protection will describe your rights. Read it carefully. The judge may order different things than what you asked for.

The Order For Protection says how long it lasts. Usually the Order For Protection lasts for one year. If you are still threatened, harassed, abused, or afraid before the Order runs out, you can ask the court to extend the Order so it lasts longer.

A copy of the Order For Protection will be sent to the local sheriff's department and to police departments by the court clerk. KEEP A COPY OF THE ORDER WITH YOU AT ALL TIMES.

If the abuser threatens, harasses, or contacts you or the children, or comes to your house or apartment or place of employment, it is a violation of the Order For Protection. If the abuser disobeys the Order, you should call the police or sheriff right away. The police do not need to see the assault or threat, but they do need to see a copy of the Order. The abuser can be put in jail for up to 90 days and be ordered to pay a fine of up to $700.00 for violating the Order For Protection. Even if you invited the abuser into your home, the abuser may still be guilty for violating the Order. Some repeat violations are gross misdemeanors which may result in a sentence of up to one year in jail and/or a $3,000.00 fine. Other violations are felonies which may result in a sentence of imprisonment of up to ten years and/or a fine of $20,000.00.

You can also ask the court to enforce the Order. You must file a form with the court describing what the abuser did that was in violation of the Order. You can also use this form if the abuser doesn't pay child support, doesn't follow the custody or visitation order, or fails to go to counseling. The judge can order the abuser to appear in court for a hearing. Both you and the abuser can testify. If the judge decides that the abuser violated the Order, the abuser can be punished.

The law gives you a choice whether or not to ask for a court hearing. If you don't ask for a hearing, the abuser still has the right to have a hearing, or a judge may order a hearing.

If you don't ask for a hearing, you can only ask the court for four things:

1. Order the abuser not to harm or threaten you or the children and not to call or contact you;
2. order the abuser out of the home;
3. order the abuser to stay away from your work; and
4. order that insurance coverage be continued.

• Contact the court clerk or advocate in the county where you requested your Order and explain that you wish to change, extend, or dismiss your Order For Protection. Most courts require you to complete a form requesting the change and to appear in court again. The abuser may also have to appear in court.
  
  
• It is important to have your Order dismissed by a judge if you and the abuser wish to live together again or have contact.
  
  
• If you wish to extend your Order For Protection, you must contact the court clerk before the Order expires and complete paperwork explaining why you continue to need the Order For Protection. A judge will consider extending your Order if the abuser:
  
  1. violated the order while you had it, or
  2. has been harassing or stalking you, or
  3. you are still in fear of physical harm because of conduct by the abuser.

Statewide Domestic Violence Resources

Toll-free statewide crisis line:
1-866-233-1111
Your call will be routed to a battered women’s shelter or program based on your location and needs.

Minnesota Coalition for Battered Women
590 Park Street
Suite 410
St. Paul, MN 55103
Voice: (651) 646-6177 or
(800) 289-6177
Fax: (651) 646-1527
www.mcbw.org

Battered Women's Legal Advocacy Project, Inc.
1611 Park Avenue Suite 2
Minneapolis, MN 55404
Phone: 612-343-9842
Toll-Free: 800-313-2666
Fax: 612.343.0786
Email: info@bwlap.org
www.bwlap.org

LawHelpMN
www.lawhelpmn.org
LawHelpMN is your one-stop online resource for legal referral and self-help information.

Minnesota Coalition of Legal Services
www.mnlegalservices.org

Minnesota Center Against Violence and Abuse
www.mincava.umn.edu

Sexual Violence Center
http://www.sexualviolencecenter.org/index.htm
Crisis Line: 612-871-5111
Prevention and intervention services for all people affected by sexual violence. They offer counseling, legal clinics, and education and training sessions.

Women's Rural Advocacy Programs
www.letswrap.com
Women's Rural Advocacy Programs is a cooperative of Domestic Violence and Criminal Justice Intervention programs serving southwestern Minnesota.

(back to top)

---

Local Domestic Violence Resources
(by city or county)

AITKIN COUNTY
Advocates Against Domestic Abuse
P.O. Box 153
Aitkin, MN 56431
Office: (218) 927-2327
Hotline: (888) 276-1720

ALEXANDRIA
Listening Ear Crisis Center
700 Cedar, Suite 266
Alexandria MN 56308
Office: (320) 763-6638
Hotline: (800) 854-9001

AUSTIN
Crime Victim Resource Center
101 14th Street, NW
Austin, MN 55912
Office: (507) 437-6680
Hotline: (507) 437-6680

BAUDETTE
Crisis Response Center
PO Box 977
Baudette, MN 56623
Office: (218) 634-3233
Hotline: (218) 634-3233

BELLE PLAINE
Southern Valley Alliance for Battered Women
551 E. Park St.
Belle Plaine MN 56011
Office: (952) 873-4214
Hotline: (952) 873-4214
www.southernvalleyalliance.org

BEMIDJI
Northwoods Coalition For Battered Women
P.O. Box 563
Bemidji MN 56619
Office: (218) 751-6346
Hotline: (218) 751-0211

BLAINE
Alexandra House, Inc.
P.O. Box 49039
Blaine MN 55449
Office: (763) 780-2332
Hotline: (763) 780-2330
www.alexandrahouse.org

BLOOMINGTON
Cornerstone Advocacy Services
1000 E. 80th St.
Bloomington, MN 55431
Office: (952) 884-0376
Hotline: (952) 884-0330
Web: www.cornerstonemn.org
Email: info@cornerstonemn.org
Serving Bloomington, Edina, Eden Prairie, Richfield and St. Louis Park

United Battered Families Network
P.O. Box 31147
Bloomington MN 55431
Hotline: 612-881-2499

BLUE EARTH COUNTY
Blue Earth County Violence Intervention Project
PO Box 466
Mankato, MN 56001
Office: (507) 625-8688
Hotline: 1-800-477-0466

BRAINERD
Women's Center of Mid-Minnesota
P.O. Box 602
Brainerd, MN 56401
Office: (218) 828-1216
Toll Free: 888-777-1248
www.womenscenteronline.org

BRECKENRIDGE
Wilkin, Grant, Traverse Interation Project
PO Box 225
Breckenridge, MN 56520
Office: (218) 643-3109

BROOKLYN CENTER
Some Place Safe
PO Box 225
Breckenridge, MN 56520
Office: (218) 643-3109
(218) 739.2853

BROWN COUNTY
Brown County Victim Services
PO Box 251
New Ulm, MN 56073
Office: (507) 233-6664
Hotline: (800) 630-1425

Womankind, Inc. Support Systems for Battered Women
Fairview Ridges Hospital
201 East Nicollet Blvd.
Burnsville MN 55337
Hotline: 612-378-1875

CAMBRIDGE
The Refuge Network
P. O. Box 323
Cambridge MN 55008
Office: (763) 689-3532
Hotline: (800) 338-7233

CARLTON COUNTY
Rural Women's Advocates
PO Box 562
Carlton, MN 55718
Office: (218) 384-8927
Hotline: (800) 910-1810

CASS COUNTY
Family Safety Network
P.O. Box 1162
Walker, MN 56484
Office: (218) 547-1636
Hotline: (800) 324-8151

Southern Valley Intervention Project
P.O. Box 185
Chaska MN 55318
Hotline: 612-873-4214

CHISAGO COUNTY
Chisago County Attorney's Office
Chisago County Government Center
Center City, MN 55012
Hotline: ( 612) 462-7999

The Refuge East
PO Box 375
Chisago City, MN 55013
Office: (651) 257-2890
Hotline: (800) 338-7233

CHIPPEWA & LAC QUI PARLE COUNTY
Chippewas & Lac Qui Parle County Outreach
109 W. Nichols Ave.
Montevideo, MN 56265
Office: (320) 269-2140

CIRCLE PINES
Alexandra House
P.O. Box 424
Circle Pines MN 55014
Hotline: 612-780-2330

CLEARWATER
Gender Violence Institute
7154 150th St. NW
Clearwater, MN 55320
Office: (320) 558-4510 or (888) 558-4484

COTTONWOOD COUNTY
Worthington Office Southern Minnesota Regional Legal Services
421 Tenth Street
Worthington, MN 56187
Office: (800) 233-0023

CROOKSON
Polk County Community Violence Intervention Center
223 E. 7th St. #101
Crookson, MN 56716
Office: (218) 281-4344

Migrant Health Services, Inc. Battered Women's Program
P.O. Box 364
Crookston, MN 56716
Office: 218-281-3552
Hotline: (800)342-7756

DAKOTA COUNTY
Community Action Council
20730 Holyoke Avenue
Lakeville, MN 55044
Tel: 952-985-5300
TTY 952-985-4077
www.communityactioncouncil.org

DETROIT LAKES
Lakes Crisis Center
P.O. Box 394
Detroit Lakes MN 56502
24-Hour Crisis Hotline (1-877-754-9683 or 1-218-847-7446)
Phone: 218-847-7446
Fax & TTY: 218-847-6113
Business Line: 218-847-8572
www.lakescrisis.com

DULUTH
Dabinoo'igan
419 N. 1st Ave. West
Duluth, MN 55806
Office: (218) 722-2247

Minnesota Program Development, Inc.
202 E. Superior Street
Duluth, MN 55802
Office: (218) 722-2781
www.duluth-model.org

Safe Haven Shelter for Battered Women
P.O. Box 3558
Duluth, MN 55803
Office: (218) 728-6481
Hotline: (218) 728-6481

EAGAN
B. Robert Lewis House Safe House
24-hour crisis hotline - 651-452-7466
TTY - 651-905-9455
www.communityactioncouncil.org

EDINA
Fairview WomanKind
6401 France Ave. South
Edina, MN 55435
Office: (952) 924-5775
Hotline: (952) 924-8200

ELK RIVER
Rivers of Hope
P.O. Box 142
Elk River MN 55330
Toll Free #: (800)439-2642

FARIBAULT
Faribault County Violence Intervention Project
PO Box 203
Blue Earth, MN 56013
Office: (507) 526-5275

HOPE Center
303 1st North East Ave, Suite 365
Faribault, MN 55021
Office: (507) 332-0882
Hotline: (800) 607-2330

FERGUS FALLS
Region IV Council on Domestic Violence
P.O. Box 815
Fergus Falls MN 56538
Office: (218) 739-3486
Hotline: (218) 739-3359

FREEBORN COUNTY
Freeborn County Crime Victim's Crisis Center
P.O. Box 1246
Albert Lea, MN 56007
Office: (507) 373-5461
Hotline: (507) 373-2223

GRAND MARAIS
Violence Prevention Center
P.O. Box 134
Grand Marais, MN 55604
Office: (218) 387-1262
Hotline: (218) 387-1237

GRAND RAPIDS
Advocates for Family Peace
1611 NW 4th St.
Grand Rapids, MN 55744
Office: (218) 326-0388
Hotline: 1-800-909-8336
Fax (218) 327-4052
www.stopdomesticabuse.org

GROODHUE COUNTY
Domestic Abuse Project of Groodhue County
624 Maple St.
Redwing MN 55066
(612-388-0187

HASTINGS
B. Robert Lewis House Safe House
24-hour crisis hotline - 651-437-1291
TTY - 651-437-2838
www.communityactioncouncil.org

HINCKLEY
W.I.N.D.O.W.
PO Box 739
Hinckley, MN 55037
Office: (320) 384-7113
Hotline: (320) 384-7113

HOPKINS
Sojourner Project
P.O. Box 272
Hopkins, MN 55343
Office: (952) 933-7433
Hotline: (952) 933-7422

HOUSTON COUNTY
Houston County Women's Resources
PO BOx 294
Hokah, MN 55941
Office: (507) 894-2676
Hotline: (866) 367-4297

HUBBARD COUNTY
Battered Women's Services of Hubbard County, Inc.
P.O. Box 564
Park Rapids MN 56470
Hotline: 218-732-5035

HUTCHINSON
McLeod Alliance for Victims of Domestic Violence
PO Box 393
Hutchinson, MN 55350
Office: (320) 234-7933
Hotline: (800) 934-0851

INTERNATIONAL FALLS
Friends Against Abuse
407 4th Street
International Falls, MN 56649
Office: (218) 285-7220
Hotline: (218) 285-7220

JACKSON COUNTY
South West Crisis Center
P.O. Box 42
Jackson, MN 56143
Office: (507) 847-4202
Hotline: (800) 376-4311

LAKE ELMO
Family Violence Network
P.O. Box 854
Lake Elmo MN 55042
Hotline: 651-770-0777

LEECH LAKE RESERVATION TRIBAL COUNCIL
Family Violence Program
115 Sixth street NW, suite E
Cass Lake, MN 56633
Office: (218) 335-8065

LE SUEUR COUNTY
Le Sueur County Victim/Witness Program
88 S. Park Ave.
Le Center, MN 55334
Office: (507) 357-8512

LUVERNE
Southest Crisis Center, Rock County
107 S. McKenzie
Luverne, MN 56156
Office: (507) 283-9917
Crisis: (800) 376-4311

LINCOLN COUNTY
Women's Rural Advocacy Programs
P.O. Box 37
Ivanhoe, MN 56142
Office: (507) 694-1123
Hotline: (800) 261-1583 or (507) 694-1583
www.letswrap.com

LITTLE FALLS
Hands of Hope Resource Center
P.O. Box 67
Little Falls, MN 56345
Office: (320) 632-1657
Hotline: (320) 632-4878
www.handsofhope.net

LONG PRAIRIE
Hands of Hope Resource Center
PO Box 171
Long Prairie, MN 56347
Office: (320) 732-2319
Hotline: (800) 682-4547
www.handsofhope.net

LYON COUNTY
Women's Rural Advocacy Programs
P.O. Box 1193
Marshall, MN 56258
Office: (507) 532-9532
1-800-639-2350 or (507) 532-2350
www.letswrap.com

MAHNOMEN COUNTY
Mahnomen County Victim Resource Program
PO Box 439, Mahnomen County Courthouse
Mahnomen, MN 56557
Office: (218) 935-9319
Hotline: (500) 435-4119

MANKATO
Committee Against Domestic Abuse
P.O. Box 466
Mankato, MN 56002
Office: (507) 625-8688
Hotline: (800) 477-0466
www.inspire-hope.org

MARSHALL
Southwest Rural Rainbow
210 S. 1st. St.
Marshall MN 56285
Hotline: 507-532-2350

MILACA
Pearl Battered Women's Resource Center
210 2nd Ave. SW, Suite 104
Milaca, MN 56353
Office: (320) 982-2901
Hotline: (320) 982-6914

McGREGOR
Mille Lacs Band of Chippewa Indians Women's Program
PO Box 416
McGregor, MN 55760
Office: (218) 768-4412

MINNEAPOLIS
African American Family Services
2616 Nicollet Ave. S.
Minneapolis, MN 55408
Office: (612) 871-7878
www.aafs.org

The Aurora Center, University of Minnesota
410 Church St. SE, Suite 407
Minneapolis, MN 55455
Office: (612) 626-2929
Hotline: (612) 626-9111

Battered Women's Justice Project
2104 4th Ave. South, Suite B
Minneapolis, MN 55404
Office: (612) 824-8768
www.bwjp.org

BIHA Women in Action
1830 James Ave. N
Minneapolis, MN 55417
Office: (612) 521-2986
www.mcbw.org

Citizens Council Victim Services
822 South 3rd. Street Suite 100
Minneapolis MN 55415
Hotline: 612-340-5400

Chrysalis Center for Women
4432 Chicago Ave. South
Minneapolis, MN 55407
Office: (612) 871-0118
www.chrysaliswomen.org

Domestic Abuse Project
204 West Franklin Avenue
Minneapolis, MN 55404
Office: (612) 874-7063
www.mcbw.org

Gay and Lesbian Community Action Council
310 East 38th St. #204
Minneapolis MN 55409
Hotline/Crisis: 612-822-8661 or (800)800-0907

Immigrant Women's Advocacy Project
420 15th Ave. South
Minneapolis, MN 55454
Office: (612) 338-5282

Initiative for Violence Free Families
Family and Children's Service
4123 E. Lake St.
Minneapolis, MN 55406
Office: (612) 728-2094
Hotline: (612) 728-2064

International Self-Reliance Agency for Women
1428 Washington Ave So., Suite 202
Minneapolis, Minnesota 55454
Phone: (612) 692-8440
Fax: (612) 692-8009
Email: info@isaw.org
www.isaw.org

Korean Family Crisis Advocacy Program
3702 E. Lake St., Suite 104A
Minneapolis, MN 55406
Office: (612) 722-2347

Minneapolis City Attorney's Office
Somali Community Liason for Women
333 South 7th St., Suite 300
Minneapolis, MN 55402
Office: (612) 673-2010
Hotline: 800.348.3000

Minnesota Indian Women's Resource Center
2300 15th Ave. South
Minneapolis, MN 55404
Office: (612) 728-2000

OutFront Minnesota
310 38th East St., Suite 204
Minneapolis, MN 55409
Office: (612) 822-8786
Hotline: (800) 800-0350

Tubman Family Alliance
3111 1st Ave. South
Minneapolis, MN 55408
Office: (612) 825-3333
Hotline: (612) 825-0000
www.tubmanfamilyalliance.org

MORA
The Refuge North
PO Box 151
Mora, MN 55051
Office: (320) 679-1737
Hotline: (800) 338-7233

MONTICELLO
Rivers of Hope
PO Box 511
Monticello, MN 55362
Office: (763) 295-3433
Hotline: (800) 439-2642

NETT LAKE
Bois Forte Battered Women's Program
PO Box 26
Nett Lake, MN 55772
Office: (218) 757-0111

NICOLLET COUNTY
Nicollet County Violence Intervention Project
424 South Minnesota Ave.
St. Peter, MN 56082
Office: (507) 931-0980

NOBLES COUNTY
Southwest Crisis Center
PO Box 111
Worthington, MN 56187
Office: (507) 3764311
Hotline: (800) 376-4311

NORMAN COUNTY
Norman County Victim Assistance Program
318 East Main Street
Ada, MN 56510
Toll Free: 877-233-5642
Crisis Line: 800-510-9967
Email: ncvap@co.norman.mn.us

ORTONVILLE
Same Place Safe
PO Box 66
Ortonville, MN 56278
Office: (218) 739-3489
Hotline: (218) 739-3359 or 320.839.2331

OWATONNA
Crisis Resource Center of Steele County
125 W. Front St.
Owatonna, MN 55060
Office: (507) 451-1202
Hotline: (507) 451-1202

PARK RAPIDS
Headwaters Intervention Center
Park Rapids Office: 24-Hour Crisis Line 1-800-939-2199
500 South Main
Park Rapids, MN. 56470
Office Phone: 218-732-7413
Office Fax: 218-732-8386
http://www.hicprograms.org/

PERHAM
Same Place Safe
PO Box 207
Perham, MN 56573
Office: (218) 346-7276
Hotline: (218) 739-3359

PIPESTONE
South West Crisis Center, Pipestone County
P O Box 94
Pipestone, MN 56164
Office: (507) 825-5688
Crisis: (800) 376-4311

PLYMOUTH
Home Free Shelter
Plymouth MN 55441
Office: (763) 559-9008
Hotline: (763) 559-4945
www.homefreeprograms.org

PRESTON
Fillmore Family Resources
P.O. Box 308
Preston MN 55965
Office: (507) 765-2316
Hotline: (800) 500-2316
www.fillmorefamilyresources.com

RED LAKE
Equay Wiigamig
PO Box 909
Red Lake, MN 56671
Office: (218) 679-3443
Hotline: (800) 943-8997

RED WING
CrossRoads East Crisis Nursery
480 W. 8th St.
Red Wing, MN 55066
Office: (651) 388-9360, ext. 30

REDWOOD COUNTY
Women's Rural Advocacy Programs
P.O. Box 372
Redwood Falls, MN 56283
Office: (507) 637-3056
Hotline: 1-888-637-3040 or (507) 637-3040
www.letswrap.com

RENVILLE COUNTY
Renville County Outreach
PO Box 65
Correll, MN 56277
Office: (320) 523-1015

ROCHESTER
Women's Shelter Inc.
P.O. Box 457
Rochester MN 55903
Office: (507) 285-1938
Hotline: (507) 285-1010
www.womens-shelter.org

ROBBINSDALE
Safe Journey
3300 Oakdale Ave. N.
Robbinsdale, MN 55422
Office: (763) 520-2639
www.mcbw.org

ROSEAU
Roseau County Victim Services
606 5th Ave. SW #30
Roseau, MN 56751
Office: (218) 463-4214

ST. BUFFALO
Northern Lights Shelter
1 Division St.
Buffalo, MN 55313
Hotline: (800)450-5413

ST. CLOUD
Anna Marie's Alliance
P.O. Box 367
St. Cloud MN 56302
Office: (320) 253-6900
(TTY) 320.253.3321
www.annamaries.org

St. Cloud Intervention Project
915 1st. St. South, Suite 14
St. Cloud MN 56301
Hotline: 320.251.7203

ST. PAUL
Asian Women United of Minnesota
House of Peace Shelter
1954 University Ave. W., Suite 4
St. Paul, MN 56104
Office: (651) 646-2118
Hotline: (612) 724-8823
www.awum.org

Breaking Free
770 University Ave. W.,
St. Paul, MN 55104
Office: (651) 645-6557

Battered Women's Legal Advocacy Project
MN Bldg. Suite
908 46 E 4^th St.
St. Paul, MN 55104
Toll Free #: (800) 313-2666
www.bwlap.org

Casa de Esperanza
P.O. Box 75177
St. Paul, MN 55175
Office: (651) 646-5553
Hotline: (651) 772-1611
www.casadeesperanza.org

Centro Legal
2610 University Ave. W., Suite 450
St. Paul, MN 55114
Office: (651) 642-1890

Communications Services for the Deaf
MN Domestic Violence Program
2055 Rice St.
St. Paul, MN 55113
Office: (651) 297-6700
www.c-s-d.org

St. Paul Domestic Abuse Intervention Project
1509 Marshall Ave.
St. Paul, MN 55104
Office: (651) 645-2824
Fax Number: 651-645-6556
info@stpaulintervention.org
www.stpaulintervention.org

Women of Nations/Eagle's Nest Shelter
73 Leech St.
St. Paul, MN 55102
Office: (651) 222-5836
Hotline: (651) 222-5836
www.women-of-nations.org

Women's Advocates
584 Grand Ave.
St. Paul, MN 55102
Office: (651) 227-9966
24-Hour Crisis Line 651-227-8284 or
Statewide Toll-Free 1-866-223-1111
www.wadvocates.org

SOUTH HENNEPIN COUNTY
Cornerstone Advocacy Services
1000 E. 80th St.
Bloomington, MN 55420
Office: (952) 884-0376
Hotline: (952) 884-0330
Web: www.cornerstonemn.org
Email: info@cornerstonemn.org
Serving Bloomington, Edina, Eden Prairie, Richfield and St. Louis Park

STEELE COUNTY
Women's Resource Center of Steele County
125 W. Front St.
Owatonna, MN 55060
Office: (507) 451-1202
Hotline: (507) 451-1202

STEVENS COUNTY
Same Place Safe
10 East 6th St.
Morris, MN 56267
Office: (320) 589-3208
Hotline: 800.974.3359

SWIFT COUNTY
The Shelter House
301 14th St.
Benson, MN 56215
Office: (320) 842-3206

THIEF RIVER FALLS
Pennington/Red Lake County Victim Services
PO Box 396
Thief River Falls, MN 56701
Office: (218) 681-0773

Violence Intervention Project
P.O. Box 96
Thief River Falls MN 56701
Office: (218) 681-5557
Hotline: (800)660-6667

TWO HARBORS
North Shore Horizons
PO Box 206
Two Harbors, MN 55616
Office: (218) 834-5924
Hotline: (800) 834-5923

VIRGINIA
Range Women's Advocates
Range Intervention Project
301 S. 1st St., Suite 100
Virginia, MN 55792
Office: (218) 749-5054 or (800) 343-5054
www.rangewomensadvocates.org

WALKER
Family Safety Network
PO Box 1162Waseca County Violence Intervention Project Office: (507) 835-7828 1.800.477.0466
Walker, MN 56484
Office: (218) 547-1636
Hotline: (800) 324-8151

WADENA
Neighborhood Counsoling Center
11th 2nd Street SW suite 1
Wadena, MN 56482
Office: 218-631-1714

WARREN
Marshall County Victim Services Department
208 East Colvin, Suite 2
Warren, MN 56762
Office: (218) 745-5523
www.co.marshall.mn.us

WASECA COUNTY
Waseca County Violence Intervention Project
Office: (507) 835-7828
800.477.0466

WILLMAR
Shelter House
P.O. Box 568
Willmar MN 56201
Office: (320) 235-0962
Hotline: 800-792-4210

WINDOM
PEACE Agency
1043 4th Avenue, Suite 1
Windom, MN 56101
Phone: (507) 831-2244
Hotline: (800) 376-4311
www.mnswcc.com

WINONA
Women's Resource Center of Winona
77 E. 5th St.
Winona, MN 55987
Office: (507) 452-4440
Hotline: (507) 452-4440
Toll Free 877.972.7353

YELLOW MEDICINE COUNTY
Women's Rural Advocacy Programs
P.O. Box 87
Granite Falls, MN 56241
Hotline: 1-800-295-2422 or (320) 564-2422
Business Line: (320) 564-2524
Fax Line: (320) 564-2388
www.letswrap.com

(back to top)

---

Legal Assistance
for free or low cost legal services

Statewide

Battered Women's Legal Advocacy Project, Inc.
1611 Park Avenue Suite 2
Minneapolis, MN 55404
Phone: 612-343-9842
Toll-Free: 1-800-313-2666
www.bwlap.org

Minnesota Legal Services Coalition
www.mnlegalservices.org

LawHelpMN
www.lawhelpmn.org
LawHelpMN is your one-stop online resource for legal referral and self-help information.

Legal Services Advocacy Project (LSAP)
Midtown Commons
2324 University Ave., Suite 101
St. Paul, MN 55114
(651) 222-3749
www.lsapmn.org

Immigrant Women's Advocacy Project
420 15th Ave. South
Minneapolis, MN 55454
Office: (612) 338-5282

By County and Reservation

Aitkin County
Brainerd Office Legal Aid Service of Northeastern Minnesota
Westport Shopping Center
14091 Baxter Drive 116
Baxter, MN 56425 1-800-933-1112 [TDD Accessible]

Anoka County
JUDICARE OF ANOKA COUNTY
1201 89th Ave. N.E., Suite 310
Blaine, MN 55434
(763) 783-4970

Becker County
LEGAL SERVICES OF NORTHWEST MINNESOTA, INC. (LSNM)
1015 7th Ave. N.,
P.O. Box 838
Moorhead, MN 56560
1-800-450-8585

Beltrami County
Bemidji Office Legal Services of Northwest Minnesota, Inc.
215 4th St. N.W.
P.O. Box 1883
Bemidji, MN 56619-1883
1-800-450-9201

Benton County
St. Cloud Office Central Minnesota Legal Services
830 West St. Germain, #309,
P.O. Box 1598
St. Cloud, MN 56302
800-622-7773

Big Stone County
Willmar Office Central Minnesota Legal Services
302 South West 5th Street, 202
Willmar, MN 56201
1-800-622-4011
TDD (320) 235-2820

Blue Earth County
Southern Minnesota Regional Legal Services
12 Civic Center Plaza, Suite 3000
P.O. Box 3304
Mankato, MN 56002-3304
1-800-247-2299
Hotline:-888-575-2954

Brown County
Southern Minnesota Regional Legal Services
166 East 4th Street
Saint Paul, MN 55101
651-222-5863

Carlton County
LEGAL AID SERVICE OF NORTHEASTERN MINNESOTA (LASNEM)
424 W. Superior St.,
302 Ordean Bldg.
Duluth, MN 55802
1-800-622-7266 TDD

Carver County
Southern Minnesota Regional Legal Services
16174 Main Ave.
Prior Lake, MN 55372
(952) 440-1040

Chippewa County
Willmar Office Central Minnesota Legal Services
302 South West 5th Suite 202
Willmar, MN 56201
1-800-622-4011
TDD (320) 235-2820

Chisago County
East Central Minnesota Legal Services (A Division of MMLA)
1567 E. Hwy 95
Cambridge, MN 55008
1-800-622-7772

Clay County
LEGAL SERVICES OF NORTHWEST MINNESOTA, INC. (LSNM)
1015 7th Ave. N.,
P.O. Box 838
Moorhead, MN 56560
1-800-450-8585

Clearwater County
Bemidji Office Legal Services of Northwest Minnesota, Inc.
215 4th St. N.W.
P.O. Box 1883
Bemidji, MN 56619-1883
1-800-450-9201

Cook County
LEGAL AID SERVICE OF NORTHEASTERN MINNESOTA (LASNEM)
424 W. Superior St.,
302 Ordean Bldg.
Duluth, MN 55802
1-800-622-7266 TDD

Crass County
Brainerd Office Legal Aid Service of Northeastern Minnesota
Westport Shopping Center
14091 Baxter Drive 116
Baxter, MN 56425
800-933-1112

Crow Wing County
Brainerd Office Legal Aid Service of Northeastern Minnesota
Westport Shopping Center
14091 Baxter Drive 116
Baxter, MN 56425
800-933-1112

Dakota County
Southern Minnesota Regional Legal Services
166 East 4th St.
Saint Paul, MN 55101
651-222-5863

Dodge County
Winona Office Southern Minnesota Regional Legal Services
66 E. 3rd St.
Winona, MN 55987-7266
800-372-8168

Douglas County
Legal Services of Northwest Minnesota, Inc.
1114 Broadway
Alexandria, MN 56308
1-800-450-2552

Fairbault County
Albert Lea Office
Southern Minnesota Regional Legal Services
132 N. Broadway
Albert Lea MN 56007
(507) 1-800-223-0280

Fillmore County
Winona Office Southern Minnesota Regional Legal Services
66 E. 3rd St.
Winona, MN 55987-7266
800-372-8168

Freeborn County
Albert Lea Office
Southern Minnesota Regional Legal Services
132 N. Broadway
Albert Lea MN 56007
(507) 1-800-223-0280

Grant County
Legal Services of Northwest Minnesota, Inc.
1114 Broadway
Alexandria, MN 56308
1-800-450-2552

Groodhue County
Winona Office Southern Minnesota Regional Legal Services
66 E. 3rd St.
Winona, MN 55987-7266
800-372-8168

Hennepin County
CENTRAL MINNESOTA LEGAL SERVICES (CMLS)
430 First Avenue North, Suite 300
Minneapolis, MN 55401
(612) 334-5970

Downtown Minneapolis Legal Aid Society of Minneapolis, Inc.
430 1st Ave. N., Suite 300
Minneapolis, MN 55401-1780
(612) 332-1441 TDD (612) 332-4668
(612) 334-5970
Hours: 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Houston County
Winona Office Southern Minnesota Regional Legal Services
66 E. 3rd St.
P.O. Box 1266
Winona, MN 55987-7266
800-372-8168

Hubbard County
Bemidji Office Legal Services of Northwest Minnesota, Inc.
215 4th St. N.W.
P.O. Box 1883
Bemidji, MN 56619-1883
1-800-450-9201

Isanti County
East Central Minnesota Legal Services (A Division of MMLA)
1567 E. Hwy 95
Cambridge, MN 55008
1-800-622-7772

Itasca County
Legal Aid Service of Northeastern Minnesota
204 1st Ave. N.W., Suite 7
Grand Rapids, MN 55744
800-708-6695

Jackson County
Worthington Office Southern Minnesota Regional Legal Services
421 Tenth Street
Worthington, MN 56187
1-800-233-0023

Kanabec County
Pine City Office Legal Aid Service of Northeastern Minnesota
235 6th
St.Pine City, MN 55063
1-800-382-7166

Kandiyohi County
Willmar Office Central Minnesota Legal Services
302 south west 5th Suite 202
Willmar, MN 56201
1-800-622-4011
TDD (320) 235-2820

Kitteson County
LEGAL SERVICES OF NORTHWEST MINNESOTA, INC. (LSNM)
1015 7th Ave. N.,
P.O. Box 838
Moorhead, MN 56560
1-800-450-8585

Koochiching County
Legal Aid Service of Northeastern Minnesota
204 1st Ave. N.W., Suite 7
Grand Rapids, MN 55744
800-708-6695

Lac Qui Parle
Willmar Office Central Minnesota Legal Services
302 South West 5th Suite 202
Willmar, MN 56201
1-800-622-4011 TDD (320) 235-2820

Lake County
LEGAL AID SERVICE OF NORTHEASTERN MINNESOTA (LASNEM)
424 W. Superior St.,
302 Ordean Bldg.
Duluth, MN 55802
1-800-622-7266 TDD

Lake of the Woods County
Bemidji Office Legal Services of Northwest Minnesota, Inc.
215 4th St. N.W.
P.O. Box 1883
Bemidji, MN 56619-1883
1-800-450-9201

Leech Lake Reservation
ANISHINABE LEGAL SERVICES
411 1st St. N.W.,
P.O. Box 157
Cass Lake, MN 56633
1-800-422-1335
Intake hours Monday - Thursday 8:30 - 5:00

LeSueur County
Southern Minnesota Regional Legal Services
12 Civic Center Plaza, Suite 3000
P.O. Box 3304
Mankato, MN 56002-3304
1-800-247-2299 TDD (507) 388-8462

Lincoln County
Willmar Office Central Minnesota Legal Services
302 South West 5th, Suite 202
Willmar, MN 56201
1-800-622-4011 TDD (320) 235-2820

Lyon County
Willmar Office Central Minnesota Legal Services
302 South West 5th, Suite 202
Willmar, MN 56201
1-800-622-4011 TDD (320) 235-2820

Mahnomen County
Bemidji Office Legal Services of Northwest Minnesota, Inc.
215 4th St. N.W.
P.O. Box 1883
Bemidji, MN 56619-1883
1-800-450-9201

Marshall County
LEGAL SERVICES OF NORTHWEST MINNESOTA, INC. (LSNM)
1015 7th Ave. N.,
P.O. Box 838
Moorhead, MN 56560
1-800-450-8585

Martin County
Southern Minnesota Regional Legal Services
12 Civic Center Plaza, Suite 3000
P.O. Box 3304
Mankato, MN 56002-3304
1-800-247-2299 TDD (507) 388-8462

McLeod County
Southern Minnesota Regional Legal Services
12 Civic Center Plaza, Suite 3000
P.O. Box 3304
Mankato, MN 56002-3304
1-800-247-2299 TDD (507) 388-8462

Meek County
Willmar Office Central Minnesota Legal Services
302 South West 5th, Suite 202
Willmar, MN 56201
1-800-622-4011 TDD (320) 235-2820

Mille Lacs
St. Cloud Office Central Minnesota Legal Services
830 West St. Germain, #309,
P.O. Box 1598
St. Cloud, MN 56302
1-800-622-7773

Mower County
Albert Lea Office
Southern Minnesota Regional Legal Services
132 N. Broadway
Albert Lea MN 56007(507) 1-800-223-0280

Morrison County
St. Cloud Office Central Minnesota Legal Services
830 West St. Germain, #309,
P.O. Box 1598
St. Cloud, MN 56302
1-800-622-7773

Murray County
Worthington Office Southern Minnesota Regional Legal Services
421 Tenth Street
Worthington, MN 56187
1-800-233-0023

Nicollet County
Southern Minnesota Regional Legal Services
12 Civic Center Plaza, Suite 3000
P.O. Box 3304
Mankato, MN 56002-3304
1-800-247-2299 TDD (507) 388-8462

Nobles County
Worthington Office Southern Minnesota Regional Legal Services
421 Tenth Street
Worthington, MN 56187
1-800-233-0023

Norman County
LEGAL SERVICES OF NORTHWEST MINNESOTA, INC. (LSNM)
1015 7th Ave. N.,
P.O. Box 838
Moorhead, MN 56560
1-800-450-8585

Olmstead County
Winona Office Southern Minnesota Regional Legal Services
66 E. 3rd St.
Winona, MN 55987-7266
-800-372-8168

Pennington County
LEGAL SERVICES OF NORTHWEST MINNESOTA, INC. (LSNM)
1015 7th Ave. N.,
P.O. Box 838
Moorhead, MN 56560
1-800-450-8585

Pine County
Pine City Office Legal Aid Service of Northeastern Minnesota
235 Main St
St.Pine City, MN 55063
800-382-7166

Pipestone County
Worthington Office Southern Minnesota Regional Legal Services
421 Tenth Street
Worthington, MN 56187
1-800-233-0023

Polk County
LEGAL SERVICES OF NORTHWEST MINNESOTA, INC. (LSNM)
1015 7th Ave. N.,
P.O. Box 838
Moorhead, MN 56560
1-800-450-8585

Pope County
Legal Services of Northwest Minnesota, Inc.
1114 Broadway
Alexandria, MN 56308
1-800-450-2552

Ramsey County
Southern Minnesota Regional Legal Services (SMRLS)
46 E. 4th St., Suite 300
St. Paul, MN 55101
(651) 222-4731. Hours: 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon & 1:00 - 3:00 p.m.

Red Lake County
LEGAL SERVICES OF NORTHWEST MINNESOTA, INC. (LSNM)
1015 7th Ave. N.,
P.O. Box 838
Moorhead, MN 56560
1-800-450-8585

Red Lake Reservation
ANISHINABE LEGAL SERVICES
411 1st St. N.W.,
P.O. Box 157
Cass Lake, MN 56633
1-800-422-1335
Intake hours Monday - Thursday 8:30 - 5:00

Redwood County
Worthington Office Southern Minnesota Regional Legal Services
421 Tenth Street
Worthington, MN 56187
1-800-233-0023

Renville County
Willmar Office Central Minnesota Legal Services
302 South West 5th st, Suite 202
Willmar, MN 56201
1-800-622-4011
TDD (320) 235-2820

Rice County
Albert Lea Office
Southern Minnesota Regional Legal Services
132 N. Broadway
Albert Lea MN 56007
(507) 1-800-223-0280

Rock County
Worthington Office Southern Minnesota Regional Legal Services
421 Tenth Street
Worthington, MN 56187
1-800-233-0023

Roseau County
LEGAL SERVICES OF NORTHWEST MINNESOTA, INC. (LSNM)
1015 7th Ave. N.,
P.O. Box 838
Moorhead, MN 56560
1-800-450-8585

Scott County
Southern Minnesota Regional Legal Services
166 East 4th Street
Saint Paul, MN 55101
651-222-5863

Sherburne County
St. Cloud Office Central Minnesota Legal Services
830 West St. Germain, #309,
P.O. 1598
St. Cloud, MN 56302
1-800-622-7773

Sibley County
Southern Minnesota Regional Legal Services
12 Civic Center Plaza, Suite 3000
P.O. Box 3304
Mankato, MN 56002-3304
1-800-247-2299 TDD (507) 388-8462

St. Louis (northern)
Virginia Office Legal Aid Service of Northeastern Minnesota
Olcott Plaza, Suite 150820 N. 9th
St.Virginia, MN 55792
1-800-886-3270

St. Louis (southern)
LEGAL AID SERVICE OF NORTHEASTERN MINNESOTA (LASNEM)
424 W. Superior St.,
302 Ordean Bldg.
Duluth, MN 55802
1-800-622-7266 TDD

Stearns County
St. Cloud Office Central Minnesota Legal Services
830 West St. Germain, #309,
P.O. 1598
St. Cloud, MN 56302
1-800-622-7773

Steele County
Albert Lea Office
Southern Minnesota Regional Legal Services
132 N. Broadway
Albert Lea MN 56007
(507) 1-800-223-0280

Stevens County
Legal Services of Northwest Minnesota, Inc.
1114 Broadway
Alexandria, MN 56308
1-800-450-2552

Todd County
St. Cloud Office Central Minnesota Legal Services
830 West St. Germain, #309,
P.O. 1598
St. Cloud, MN 56302
1-800-622-7773

Traverse County
Legal Services of Northwest Minnesota, Inc.
1114 Broadway
Alexandria, MN 56308
1-800-450-2552

Wabasha County
Winona Office Southern Minnesota Regional Legal Services
66 E. 3rd St.
Winona, MN 55987-7266
800-372-8168

Wadena County
Legal Services of Northwest Minnesota, Inc.
1114 Broadway
Alexandria, MN 56308
1-800-450-2552

Waseca County
Southern Minnesota Regional Legal Services
12 Civic Center Plaza, Suite 3000
P.O. Box 3304
Mankato, MN 56002-3304
1-800-247-2299 TDD (507) 388-8462

Washington County
Southern Minnesota Regional Legal Services (SMRLS)
46 E. 4th St., Suite 300
St. Paul, MN 55101
(651) 222-4731.
Hours: 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon & 1:00 - 3:00 p.m.

Watonwan County
Southern Minnesota Regional Legal Services
12 Civic Center Plaza, Suite 3000
P.O. Box 3304
Mankato, MN 56002-3304
1-800-247-2299 TDD (507) 388-8462

White Earth Reservation
ANISHINABE LEGAL SERVICES
411 1st St. N.W.,
P.O. Box 157
Cass Lake, MN 56633
1-800-422-1335
Intake hours Monday - Thursday 8:30 - 5:00

Wilkin County
LEGAL SERVICES OF NORTHWEST MINNESOTA, INC. (LSNM)
1015 7th Ave. N.,
P.O. Box 838
Moorhead, MN 56560
1-800-450-8585

Winona County
Winona Office Southern Minnesota Regional Legal Services
66 E. 3rd St.
Winona, MN 55987-7266
800-372-8168

Wright County
St. Cloud Office Central Minnesota Legal Services
830 West St. Germain, #309,
P.O. 1598
St. Cloud, MN 56302
1-800-622-7773

Yellow Medicine County
Willmar Office Central Minnesota Legal Services
302 South West 5th Street, Suite 202
Willmar, MN 56201
800-622-4011
TDD (320) 235-2820

 

(back to top)

---

Lawyer Referral
for private attorneys

Ask the lawyer referral service whether they screen for lawyers who are experienced in handling domestic violence or sexual assault cases -- not all lawyer referral services do this. You may want to check out the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence's list of Questions to Ask Before You Hire an Attorney. You may also want to check with your local domestic violence program, rape crisis center or legal aid association to see if they can refer you to someone who is experienced in representing victims of domestic violence or sexual assault.

Minnesota State Bar Association
MSBA Attorney Referral Service
800-292-4152
www.mnfindalawyer.com/index.htm

Dakota County Bar Association Referral Service
612-431-3200

Hennepin County Bar Association Referral Service
612-752-6600
www.hcba.org/index.asp

Ramsey County Bar Association Attorney Referral Service
651-224-1775

Chrysalis Legal Assistance for Women
612-871-0118

Minnesota Women Lawyers Referral Service
612-338-3205

The information on this website is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.  

For more information about order for protection for the state of Minnesota, check out  http://www.womenslaw.org/MN/MN_how_to.htm  for more information.   The information above was gathered from http://www.letswrap.com/legal/ofp.htm and  http://www.womenslaw.org/MN/MN_how_to.htm.