Domestic Violence Protection
What is Domestic Violence?
In the United States of America, when another family member or member of a household threatens, harasses, stalks, chokes, hits, kicks, sexual assaults, or otherwise interferes with your or your children’s liberty, they are guilty of domestic violence.
Family or household members may include:
Spouses or ex-spouses
Family members who are related by blood or marriage
Persons who are dating, engaged, or used to date
Persons who live together or used to live together
Persons who have or allegedly have a child in common
Persons with disabilities and their caregivers
Orders of Protection
An order of protection is a legal remedy designed to provide general types of protection orders:
Emergency Orders of Protection: These are immediate orders that are granted based on the testimony and affidavit of the victim. They remain in effect for 14 to 21 days.
Interim Orders of Protection: Interim orders are granted for a period of up to 30 days.
Plenary Orders of Protection: Plenary orders may be granted by a Judge after the accused is served with the necessary documents and upon advising the accused of a hearing date and conducting a hearing on the matter.