'I truly believe this will save lives': SCOWIS promotes new online portal to make it easier to file for temporary restraining orders
MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- The state of Wisconsin's top court is promoting a new way to combat domestic violence.
Click here to access the Online Restraining Order Portal
An online portal to file for restraining orders is now live everywhere in Wisconsin.
And the chief justice of the Wisconsin Supreme Court says this new option will save lives.
Chief Justice Jill Karofsky says this will help with accessibility, privacy, and speed.
Instead of going into a courthouse and maybe forgetting to bring important information, people can now file for a temporary restraining order on their phone and get real-time feedback.
Karofsky told us, "It takes tremendous courage to come forward and ask the court system for help."
But it's not always easy, she said.
Previously, a person typically would need to physically go into a county courthouse to file for an order of protection. A missed step or incomplete information could require a second trip.
"We are trying to reduce one barrier to help people be able to access the court system a little easier," Karofsky said.
But no longer does someone have to juggle work, childcare, and parking. The state's new online portal can be accessed on a cellphone, at any time.
The program walks the user through the various steps, explaining what they are along the way.
Justice Karofsky said the goal is to create filings that are as complete and accurate as possible. "So people can get access to the system to get help they may not be able to get otherwise."
It's also a more private process.
The portal was made possible with funding from a federal grant. Seven counties tested it out this summer before it went statewide last month.
Karofsky said, "Some people will say this is just a piece of paper. But I think we need to do everything that we can possibly do to keep people safe in this state."
She said it's important that a court official acknowledges harassment, abuse, and violence, and orders someone to stop.
According to statistics from End Domestic Abuse Wisconsin, 101 people died in 2025 in domestic violence-related incidents.
Karofsky said judges and courts are mindful of the need to process filings quickly; it usually happens in one day.
Now, she says, having more complete and accurate information will speed up the process even more.
"I truly believe this will save lives," Karofsky said, "I really do."
Wisconsin is currently the only state in the country providing this online resource statewide.