The Steps Of A Restraining Order

You may make a citizen’s arrest in the presence of law enforcement or law enforcement may arrest the abuser and hold that person in jail until they can post bail or are arraigned in court. You can also request that law enforcement obtain an Emergency Protective Order (EPO) from the on-call Judge. This order would be effective immediately and would order your abuser not to contact or abuse you. These orders are temporary and you should follow-up by obtaining a permanent restraining order to keep the abuser away from you. However, a court order alone won’t keep you safe. Do all that you can to make yourself and your family safe. Don’t hesitate to call the police and your advocate if your abuser violates this order.

You also have the right to go to the Superior Court and file a petition requesting any of the following orders for relief:

· An order restraining the attacker from abusing the victim and other family members.

· An order directing the attacker to leave the household.

· An order preventing the attacker from entering the residence, school, business or place of employment of the victim.

· An order awarding the victim or the other parent custody of or visitation with a minor child or children.

· An order restraining the attacker from molesting or interfering with minor children in custody of the victim.

· An order directing the party not granted custody to pay support of minor children, if that party has a legal obligation to do so.

· An order directing the defendant to make specific debit payments coming due while the order is in effect.

· An order directing that either or both parties participate in counseling.