For many survivors of domestic abuse, one question can be deeply unsettling:

“What happens when my restraining order ends?”

Many fear that the end of a court order means the end of their protection. Fortunately, that is not always the case.

Protection Does Not Automatically End

In Spain, the expiry of a restraining order does not automatically mean that all protective measures come to an end.

Where there is evidence that a victim may still be at risk, the authorities can continue to assess and monitor the situation through Spain’s VioGén (Integrated Monitoring System for Gender Violence Cases).

The focus shifts from the duration of the court order to the current level of risk faced by the victim.

Ongoing Risk Assessment

The Guardia Civil or National Police continue to assess whether there is an ongoing risk of harassment, intimidation or further violence.

This assessment considers many factors, including:

• Previous incidents of violence or coercive control.
• Any breaches of court orders.
• New threats or intimidating behaviour.
• Changes in the offender’s circumstances.
• Information provided by the victim.
• Professional risk assessments carried out by the police.

If a continuing risk is identified, protective measures may remain in place even after the restraining order has expired.

What Ongoing Protection May Include

Depending on the assessed level of risk, ongoing protection may involve:

• Continued police monitoring.
• Regular welfare checks.
• Priority police response in emergencies.
• Advice on personal safety.
• Coordination with victim support services and other public authorities.

The purpose is to reduce the risk of further harm while helping the survivor move forward with confidence.

Every Case Is Different

There is no automatic rule that protection ends when a restraining order expires.

Some cases may require no further intervention because the risk has reduced significantly. Others may continue to receive police monitoring if the circumstances indicate that protection is still needed.

The decision is based on an individual risk assessment rather than simply the passage of time.

Recovery Beyond the Courtroom

A court order is an important legal safeguard, but recovery does not end when the legal process does.

Healing from domestic abuse often takes far longer than any court order lasts. Survivors need time to rebuild their lives, regain confidence and establish a sense of safety.

Knowing that the authorities can continue to assess risk and provide protection where necessary offers reassurance that safety remains the priority.

For survivors, the end of a restraining order should not mean the end of hope. It can instead mark the beginning of a new chapter—one built on freedom, confidence and the opportunity to live without fear.

Note: Whether police protection continues after a restraining order expires depends on the individual’s circumstances and the ongoing risk assessment. It is not automatic in every case.