Orders of Protection
The person asking for the order is called a "Petitioner." The petitioner needs to file a petition in a court of record against the other person, called a "Respondent." There are two different kinds of petitions a person can file - one kind allows a person to seek protection for himself/herself; the other allows a petitioner to ask for protection on behalf of a child.
The Act was passed to promote the protection and safety of all victims of domestic or family violence, sexual assault, and stalking; and to prevent future violence against such victims.
To apply for protection under this law, a petitioner NEEDS to have been a victim of:
- domestic or family violence,
- stalking, or
- a sex offense.
- family or household member who commits an act of domestic or family violence, or
- a person who has committed stalking or a sex offense against the child.
- correct name,
- correct date of birth or social security number, and
- correct, current address.