No one should feel uncomfortable or unsafe in their home. Protective orders or restraining orders, as they’re most commonly known, are there to protect you and your family from harm. These orders are no guarantee of safety but can serve as a legal deterrent to someone who wishes you harm.
If you think you need an order of protection, one of the most important things you can do is write down every instance of harassment or domestic violence. Times like these are traumatic, but you owe to yourself and family to write down everything you can as soon as possible. Leave nothing out. Verbal threats and property damage are also relevant. Someone doesn’t have to physically touch you or your child to count as harassment or domestic violence.
Documenting these violent acts as they occur makes it easier to accurately recall them in a detailed manner when filing a protection order. Don’t leave out important details likes dates and times. While Arizona law states domestic violence must have occurred within the last year, a court can allow events outside of one year, so include anything you can.
You must provide the name of the defendant and their address if you know it. This is so the proper law enforcement jurisdiction can serve the protection order to the defendant. Don’t worry. You can conceal your own address if you’re concerned about them knowing where your live.
What the protective order does
Once granted, a protective order prohibits the defendant from coming near your residence, business or school. An order of protection also requires the defendant to turnover any firearms they own. If the defendant needs any belongings from your home, a police officer will accompany them to do so.
A protective order is a great step to take to ensure the safety of you and your family. You don’t have to live in fear.