I got one that was supposed to last 3 years and we got back together 2 years into it. I got it with the help of the DV counseling place. I never tried to get him in trouble or call police when he broke it. I did it more as a threat and a reminder to me I didn't need to "go there". This was almost 10 yrs ago. Domeestic Violence (DV) shelters or hotlines ought to have answers. From what I have learned they don't carry a weight if you are scared for your life. What I'm saying is the police didn't seem to take them seriously, just what I've heard.

No. Only because I dont feel like it will protect me if he tries to kill me again. Similar to Rock-Paper-Scissors. Scissors always wins against paper.

my father tried to put a restraing order on me and my mother. it wasnt necassary; he wanted to laugh in our face. but if you need one, and you feel like it will help you, go for it. but that doesnt really answer your question. i have a restraing order against my father now, for 2 yrs. its been a month.

I got one that lasts a year but the criminal court over ruled that and upped it to five years. We go to court on December 4th. Yikes!
The main thing to remember with a restraining order is that it doesn't do anything to make you safe. It's only a tool to have him arrested if he comes near you or harrasses you. You'll have to keep the order with you at all times and call the police if he breaks it. The more he disobeys the order, the more likely he is to be arrested.
In my case, I called the police and they were at my house right away. Maybe because of the severety of the matter? or maybe the patrol was already in my neighborhood? I don't know.