How to Enforce a Restraining Order
A restraining order is a special type of court order that is used to prevent one person from coming into contact with another. When a person is being harassed by an ex-lover, old co-worker, or even a complete stranger, a court-mandated order of protection could help supply a much needed sense of security. These types of situations don't always necessarily end in violence, but it's always better to be safe than sorry.
In order to enforce a restraining order, you'll need the following:
- Evidence of the offender's past abuse or harassment
- Access to the internet (optional)
- Telephone
- Make the request that a restraining order be instituted by either working with your local law enforcement or going straight to a judge. Depending on what state you reside in, you may have to present the court with various degrees of evidence of your stalker or abuser's actions. Once the order is in place, he or she will be prohibited from both contacting and coming within a certain amount of feet of you.
- Contact a local counselor or domestic violence organization. These types of resources can usually be located through your city's courts and are often extremely helpful with providing victims with additional information regarding the limits of their restraining orders.
- Remain vigilant. Don't allow yourself to be lulled into a false sense of security simply because you've issued a protective order. Studies have shown that many offenders don't take them seriously and continue on with their dangerous behavior.
- Contact the authorities immediately if your harasser violates the terms of the order. Everything, from a phone call to a visit from them, should be properly reported. If a person continues to harass their victim, then the police are free to fine or even incarcerate him as punishment.