Why Should a Victim File for an Order of Protection?
Most Abusers become more violent over time, and beatings tend to become more frequent and more severe. Research has shown that children raised in violent homes are affected negatively by Domestic Violence. An Order of Protection is a legal tool that a Victim can use to try to become safer. In an OP the Victim tells the Court and the Police that the abuse has happened and the Victim and the children need protection. When the Victim files for an OP, the Victim is asking that any future abuse stop. A Victim is also telling the Abuser that the abuse is not a secret, and that the Victim will reach out for help to the Court if the abuse continues. The Abuser will not go to jail when an Order of Protection is issued unless the Abuser violates the Order. If the Abuser complies with the Order, the Abuser will not have a criminal record as a result of you filing for an OP.
