What happens if the Order of Protection is violated?
It is a crime to violate a temporary or permanent Order of Protection. If the abuser does not follow the terms of the order, you can call 911 or your local police precinct. The police should arrest the defendant. The District Attorney’s office can prosecute your abuser for violating the order. A person who violates an Order of Protection may face up to 7 years in jail depending on how the Order of Protection was violated. Keep your Order of Protection with you at all times to show the police. If you do not have a copy with you when the police arrive, they can check with the precinct to determine that a valid order exists. What if you decide not to prosecute? If you decide that you do not want to prosecute, you should call the ADA immediately. If you haven’t done so already, you can refuse to sign the corroborating affidavit. However, the decision as to whether to drop the case is the District Attorney’s and not your own. In some cases, the District Attorney may proceed against your abu
