What is an Order of Protection, and how can it help me?
Are you are scared of leaving a relationship for fear of what your partner might do to you? If so, you are not alone. We help many people who feel like captives, and we will help you plan a safe escape when you are ready.
If you’re being stalked, harassed, threatened, or harmed by an abusive ex or partner, an Order of Protection might be exactly what you need to get them to go away and stay away.
If the person abusing you is your current spouse, the father of your child, a family member through blood or marriage, or someone with whom you have an “intimate relationship,” then you may be able to get a temporary Order of Protection in family court on the very same day.
An Order of Protection can:
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direct an abuser to not injure, threaten, or harass you or your children
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direct an abuser to stay away from you and your children
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require an abuser to move out of your home
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require an abuser to follow custody orders
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require an abuser to not have a gun
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require an abuser to stop contacting you at all
We can help you navigate the process of obtaining an Order of Protection. Or, if you already have one, we can take over and support the process going forward.
When you are in an abusive relationship, it’s common to feel like you have no control. BUT YOU DO. Power is a renewable resource. It can grow, and be recognized. The decision to hire us as your attorney is an exercise of that power. Together, we can build a whole military, and you get to lead it.
So how do you know if an Order of Protection is right for you?
There are three key scenarios in which an Order of Protection may be helpful:
- He’s hurting you physically
If your current partner or ex is physically harming you or your children, then an order of protection might be the thing that stops him laying a hand on you again.
- He’s emotionally abusing you.
Just because he’s never resorted to physical force doesn’t mean that he’s not abusing you. If you notice any of the features of an emotionally abusive relationship, then you should seek help. It’s totally understandable if you’re scared of what he might do if when leave.
Many women live in fear that their ex or current partner will spread lies on social media, try to get them fired, turn friends and family against them, or share secrets and naked photos. If you need to get out and don’t know how to do so without compromising your emotional and social wellbeing, an order of protection can help prevent him from retaliating.
- He’s keeping you financially dependent.
Is he moving money around? Preventing you from accessing accounts? Draining your financial resources? Abusers rely on these tactics to keep you dependent on the relationship and to prevent you from getting your fair share. An Order of Protection can stop the asshole from using your money to control you.
If an offender VIOLATES an Order of Protection, it’s a criminal (arrestable) offense. Intentionally or knowingly violating an Order of Protection is a class A misdemeanor (in New York, for example, a class A misdemeanor means up to one year in jail or three years probation and a potential fine of up to $1,000).
Abuse always involves control. It is never something that is deserved. If you are scared of leaving a relationship for fear of what your partner might do to you, you are not alone. We help many people who feel like captives, and we will help you plan a safe escape when you are ready.
PLEASE BE AWARE THAT MANY ABUSERS MONITOR THEIR PARTNER’S ONLINE ACTIVITY. MAKE SURE YOU ARE READING THIS FROM A SECURE DEVICE AND THAT YOUR BROWSER HISTORY IS NOT AVAILABLE TO YOUR ABUSER.
NOw read
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A FAMILY COURT AND CRIMINAL COURT ORDER OF PROTECTION?
A note on pronouns: We tend to use female pronouns when talking about victims of abuse, and masculine pronouns when talking about perpetrators. This is a deliberate choice based on a number of things, including the demographics of our clients. It is essential to note that men can be victims of abuse and women can be perpetrators of it. Abuse happens both in straight and same-sex relationships.