What is a “harassment” protection order?
• A harassment protection order is a court order issued to a victim who has been harassed. In order to qualify for a harassment protection order, the petitioner (victim) must show that the respondent (abuser) has engaged in a knowing and willful course of conduct directed at the petitioner which seriously terrifies, threatens, or intimidates the petitioner (victim). How long does the harrassment need to have occurred? • A course of conduct is defined as a series of acts over a period of time, however short, of following, detaining, restraining the personal liberty of, or stalking, telephoning, contacting, or otherwise communicating with the petitioner (victim). Is there a fee or cost for obtaining a harassment protection order? • There are no fees or costs associated with the request or service of a harassment protection order. However, the court may assess fees if the court finds that the statements contained in the application were false and that the protection order was sought in ba
