Court Watch 2023 Yearly Protective Order Outcomes Report
In 2023, nearly 25,000 domestic violence final protective order hearings were held in Maryland courts, including almost 3,000 in Montgomery County (Maryland Courts, 2023). Protective orders were granted in less than half of these hearings, with the rest denied or dismissed. This data suggests that some victims may not be getting the full protections needed, including the mandatory protection against gun possession by their abuser. Protective orders are vital tools for reducing or stopping domestic violence when paired with a strong safety plan and proper enforcement.