Safety Planning
Some abusers actually become more dangerous when a protection order is filed because they believe they are losing control of their partner.
Contact an advocate for assistance in developing a comprehensive safety plan that will cover as many different situations as possible (see resources). In addition, consider the following safety tips:
- Keep a cell phone with you at all times in case you need to call for help.
- Tell family, friends, neighbors, and coworkers about the situation so they can alert you or call 911 if they see something suspicious and to provide help in an emergency.
- Change your routine, such as the route you take to work or the time you go to the gym.
- Relocate to a confidential address, change your locks, or install a home security system.
- Make a plan for what to do if the abuser shows up at your home, work, or another location. Identify escape routes.
- Talk to your children about what to do if they see the abuser.
- Make a plan for being as safe as possible when you come to court. Contact a Protection Order Advocate for information about how we can help (link to POAP contact info).
A note about firearms
If the court entered an order to surrender weapons at the full hearing, then the respondent will be ordered to appear for a compliance review hearing about two weeks later. You do not need to appear at the compliance review hearing but have the right to do so.
To be in compliance with the Order to Surrender Weapon the respondent must surrender any and all firearms, concealed pistol licenses or other dangerous weapons (as described in the order) to law enforcement or some other court ordered entity IMMEDIATELY and provide proof of surrender (a receipt from law enforcement that shows what was surrendered and when) or a Declaration of non-surrender (meaning he/she swears under penalty of perjury that they do not possess any firearms, dangerous weapons or a concealed pistol license) to the court file within 5 business days. If respondent fails to comply with this order then the respondent may be charged with a crime. If you have concerns about respondent’s compliance with this order, please speak with a DV advocate immediately.
If the respondent has surrendered a firearm – you have the right to know when or if the respondent requests the return of the firearm(s). To receive notification, you must contact the law enforcement agency where the gun was surrendered so they can contact you upon respondent’s request for return. Your copy of the Order to Surrender Weapon lists which law enforcement agency respondent was ordered to surrender to. If you have questions about notification upon the potential return of firearms, please contact a DV Advocate for assistance.
A protection order is only one part of your safety plan
Be sure to plan for how to stay as safe as possible whether or not the abuser can be served with the protection order and whether or not the abuser obeys the order. If you are in danger, call the police whether or not the order has been served.