An Order of Protection may be essential to protect a victim of abuse, domestic violence, harassment or stalking. An Order of Protection is a court order, issued either by Family Court or a criminal court, which either prohibits one person from contacting or coming within a certain distance of the other person (“stay away” order) or, makes it illegal for a party to threaten, harass, stalk or otherwise encounter the other. If a party violates such an order, he or she faces serious legal consequences, including arrest and imprisonment. These orders can safeguard a party from domestic violence situations, including those that may be exacerbated by an ongoing divorce proceeding or Family Court matter.

A Temporary Order of Protection may be issued in order to offer a victim immediate protection. In these cases, a hearing is usually held at a later date to determine whether to keep the order in place.