Restraining Orders

Here are some things you may want to consider doing.  However, you will have to evaluate each one to see if it works for your situation.

• Make several copies of the order of protection as soon as possible.
• Keep a copy of the order of protection with you at all times.
• Leave copies of the order of protection at your work place, at your home, at the children’s school or daycare, in your car, with a sympathetic neighbor, and so on.
• Give a copy of the order along with a picture of the defendant to security or the person at the front desk where you live and/or work.
• Give a copy of the order to anyone who is named in and protected by the order.
• Take steps to safety plan, including changing your locks (if permitted by law) and your phone number.

If you feel that your employer or coworkers also need protection, you may want to speak to your employer about filing for an injunction against workplace harassment if you think that revealing your situation to your employer will not negatively affect your employment.  See Injunction Against Workplace Harassment for more information.

Ongoing safety planning is important after receiving the order. People can do a number of things to increase their safety during violent incidents, when preparing to leave an abusive relationship, and when they are at home, work, and school.  Many batterers obey protective orders, but some do not.  It is important to build on the things you have already been doing to keep yourself safe.  Click on the following link for suggestions on Safety Planning.  Advocates at local resource centers can also assist you in designing a safety plan and can provide other forms of support as well.