Domestic Violence Restraining Orders (DVROs) are restraining orders obtained by victims of domestic violence against. DVROs are usually obtained after domestic violence during a marriage or a romantic relationship. However, DVROs may be obtained in several other circumstances.
DVROs may be obtained outside of a marriage and a romantic partnership. However, a DVRO is appropriate for people who have been or are married, dated, or are closely related-such as a parent, child, sibling, a grandparent, or an in-law.
A Civil Harassment Order, on the other hand, is appropriate if there is no romantic or close family relationship between the parties. Examples are restraining orders against a neighbor, a roommate, friend, and a family member more than two degrees removed such as an aunt or cousin. It is important to know which one your situation qualifies for as the forms for Civil Harassment and a DVRO are different.
A common situation are parties that date or have any sort of sexual relationship for a short period of time, such as a one-night stand. At first glance, it may seem that a Civil Harassment Order may be appropriate.
When we think of Domestic Violence, we often think of physical violence and unfortunately that is often the case. However, emotional abuse, stalking, harassing phone calls, emails, texts, pictures can be domestic violence as well.
It is may be that the end of short lived romance leads to incessant stalking, phone calls, and a disruption of peace. For this situation, a DVRO would be appropriate. In order to obtain a DVRO, you would need to file for a Temporary Restraining Order (TRO). The Court sets the matter for a hearing after the TRO is either granted or denies. There are no fees for filing a TRO. Going through this situation is incredibly stressful. A DVRO can help you in protecting yourself and your peace.