What is an order of protection?

An order of protection, or OP, is a rule from a judge to limit contact between people. It protects you from an abuser.

If you want someone to leave you alone, you can ask the Family court in writing for an order of protection (family offense petition). In the petition, you tell the Judge what the abuser did and what you are asking the court to do. An order of protection can order the abusive person to:

• Stay away from you, your children or school or daycare
• Move out of your home
• Give up their firearms 
• Communicate with you only for a specific reason. For example, if you have children in common, the OP may allow communication about the children only.

Sometimes the way to stop domestic violence is to call the police or go to court to seek an order of protection.

Download the PDF below for more information.