Depending on your relationship to the alleged abuser and the type of abuse claimed there are two types of legal remedies: a Protective Order and a Peace Order.

File for a Protective Order if you and the alleged abuser:

• Are current or former spouses
• Have had a sexual relationship and have resided together in the same home for a period of at least 90 days within the last year
• Are related by blood, marriage, or adoption
• Are in a parent-child, or stepparent-stepchild relationship and have resided together for at least 90 days during the past year
• Have a child in common

Note: To be eligible to file a Petition for Protective Order on behalf of a minor child or vulnerable adult (an adult who lacks the physical or mental capacity), you must either (1) be related to the minor child or vulnerable adult by blood, marriage or adoption, or (2) reside in the same home with the minor child or vulnerable adult.

If you do not have one of these relationships, you should file for a Peace Order

(source: Maryland Judiciary)