What is an "Order of Protection"?

An "Order of Protection" is fundamentally a legal decree issued by a court to safeguard an individual from potential harm, especially in the context of domestic violence situations. This legal tool is primarily designed to prevent further acts of violence or abuse by legally restricting the alleged abuser's behaviors, which may include prohibiting contact, requiring the abuser to vacate a shared home, or mandating the abuser to stay a specified distance away from the individual seeking protection.

This legal mechanism is crucial in situations where a person feels threatened or has experienced violence, as it provides a formal legal acknowledgment of the risk to their safety. Obtaining an Order of Protection can be a vital step for victims, enabling them to feel secure as they seek to remove themselves from danger and stabilize their lives.