Protection Orders

questions & answers

Question: I told a friend of mine to get a restraining order against her ex-boyfriend but she is too afraid to do so but I be able to get that order of protection against him for her

Answer: An Order of Protection must be requested by the person needing protection. Exceptions to this are 1) if the person is a minor, in which case the parents or legal guardian would file the request, or 2) if the person is either temporarily or permanently unable to request the order, in which a third party may request the order of protection on another person’s behalf. If a friend is too afraid but able to request the order, no one else is able to request the order on her behalf. One way to support a friend who is in or leaving a dangerous or violent relationship is to help them create a safety plan. A safety plan can help identify ways for your friend to remain safe, talk with friends and family about abuse, and steps for taking legal action. Check out The Hotline’s tips for how to help a friend or family member and ideas for developing a safety plan.