The specific elements you need to prove to get a restraining order vary from state to state, but in general, you need to show: A specific instance or instances of abuse or harassment (such as sexual assault by an intimate partner) The threat of violence or of further abusive behavior or harassment.
Key Differences A Harassment Order addresses unwanted behavior that may not necessarily involve physical harm but still causes significant distress to the victim. In contrast, a Restraining Order is typically sought in cases involving a history of violence, physical threat, or other forms of serious harm.
Using the facts of the incident only, keep your statement brief and to the point. Briefly describe the most recent incident of abuse and/or threats of abuse or other behaviors. Focus on the actual behavior. Do not include prior incidents, (that will be the next paragraph).
State to the court that you would like a restraining order and what you would like the court to order. Be as specific as possible. Examples: “I am asking the court to grant me a _____ month/year injunction.” “I want no contact in person, at home, by phone, at work, by mail or through third parties.”
A significant change in circumstances, such as improved behavior, completion of anger management or counseling programs, or evidence that the risk of violence has diminished, may provide grounds for seeking the dismissal of a restraining order.
The burden of proof is on the protected party to prove to the court by a preponderance of the evidence that there is a reasonable apprehension of future abuse.
I beg your honor to please consider my sincere plea to remove the no contact order. You are the one who has the ability to give us, as a family, a second opportunity.
If the judge decides that there was abuse and that there is also a credible threat to the plaintiff's safety, a final order of protection will be granted and will last for up to one year.