IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (AP) — Officials say obtaining a restraining order in Idaho can be difficult for victims seeking protection against abusers who aren't a blood relative or married to each other.

The Post Register reports that no-contact orders are typically issued in criminal cases after an offender is charged for some form of abuse against a partner. The parameters of a no-contact order are set by a judge. A civil protection order may be granted without a criminal charge, but the victim must have dated, lived with, been married to or related to the person.

There must also be evidence of abuse, forced imprisonment or a threat of violence. Teena McBride, executive director of the Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Center, says victims tend to prefer civil protection orders to avoid criminal charges.

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