Safety Plan Resource: Orders of Protection and Restraining Orders
How Should I use an Order of Protection or Restraining Order?
An Elder Abuse Safety Plan Resource
Orders of Protection and Restraining Orders are civil orders from the court telling a family or household member who threatened or assaulted you not to harm you again or face serious legal consequences. Make sure to follow the instructions given to you by the Court on how to use this protection.
Helpful ways to use an Order of Protection or Restraining Order may include:
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Call the police if the person abusing you violates the conditions of the Restraining Order or Order of Protection.
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Make copies of your Restraining Order or Order of Protection and distribute them to your local police precinct and trusted friends and family. Keep an extra copy in a safe place in your home.
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Keep your Restraining Order or Order of Protection with you at all times. (When you change your purse, this should be the first thing that goes into it). If it is lost or destroyed, you can get another copy from the Court office that issued you the restraining order.
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Think of alternative ways to keep safe in case the police do not respond right away. Remember your safety plan and emergency leave bag.
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Inform family, friends, and neighbors that you have a restraining order in effect so they understand the seriousness of the situation.