A protective restraining order is a legal device that can be placed on a person who is threatening the safety of others. According to Pennsylvania State University, having a permanent protection order was associated with an 80% reduction rate in police-reported physical violence annually. Restraining orders can be very effective at creating a safer environment for people. There are steps you should take, however, to ensure that further violence doesn’t result. Let's take a closer look.

Set up a Support System

It’s a good idea to have a strong support system in place for yourself or your children. This support system should be made up of individuals that you trust and who will assist you should further contact or violence ensue. The individual on whom the restraining order has been placed should be aware that you have a support system. They need to know that you're not a helpless victim but that you have people to support and protect you.

Make No Contact With the Individual

Although it may seem counterintuitive, many people who have restraining orders placed on someone also winded up contacting the person later on. This is due in part to the fact that there is often some type of strong connection between the two people. This can be either of a romantic or familial nature. Sometimes, the victim of violence wants very much to heal the relationship so that the two people can have a healthy partnership and move on. Although those may sound like noble intentions, you must remember that violence has either happened or been threatened. You need protection from this person. Now is not the time to try to heal the relationship and reinstate contact.

Follow the Outline of the Order

Not only will the other individual be under specific guidelines concerning the restraining order, but you will be under certain guidelines as well. You need to be clear on what is expected of you during this time. If you fail to follow the restraining order yourself, you might cause further legal complications for everyone involved. The lawyer and court system has your best interests in mind, so you must rely on their experience and expertise.

These are just a few things you should know about restraining orders and how to prevent further altercations from ensuing. If you’re looking for a reliable lawyer in your area, please contact Nigel Villanueva today!