If you have been the victim of domestic violence, you may be able to get a no-contact order against your abuser. A no-contact order is a civil order that prohibits your abuser from having any contact with you. It can also order your abuser to stay away from your home, your workplace, or your children’s school. A no-contact order can offer you protection from further abuse and can be an important part of your safety plan. If you are considering getting a no-contact order, here are some things you should know.
- No filing fee:
There is no filing fee to get a no-contact order. You can ask for a no-contact order when you file for a restraining order. No-contact orders are usually granted in cases where domestic violence has occurred. The order can be made in a civil or criminal case.
- Your safety comes first:
The most important thing to remember is that no contact order violation Florida are designed to protect you from further abuse. If you are in immediate danger, call 911. If you are not in immediate danger but are considering getting a no-contact order, you should still speak to an advocate or attorney before making a decision.
- You don’t have to be married:
You don’t have to be married to get a no-contact order. The order can apply to people who are dating or who have dated in the past, as well as to people who live together or have lived together in the past.
- No-contact orders are not just for women:
Men can get no-contact orders too. No-contact orders are available to anyone who is a victim of domestic violence, regardless of gender.
- Order can last up to 2 years:
No-contact orders can last up to two years. If you need the order to last longer, you can ask the court to extend it. A no-contact order is a civil order that is typically issued by a judge at the request of a victim of domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking.
- Violating the order is a crime:
If your abuser violates the no-contact order, he or she can be arrested and charged with a crime. The punishment for violating a no-contact order can include jail time, a fine, or both.
- You can still communicate:
A no-contact order does not mean you can never communicate with your abuser. The order only prohibits contact that is meant to harass, threaten, or intimidate you. You can still communicate with your abuser through a third party, such as an attorney or a mediator.
