Our Family Violence Victim Advocates and Crisis Navigators are available to help victims of interpersonal violence navigate the civil and criminal legal system surrounding intimate partners, parents, children, someone they have or have had a dating relationship with, cohabitants in a spousal or sexual relationship, or the parent of their child(ren).

We can help explore options and provide legal advocacy in the form of understanding Protective Orders, Temporary Restraining Orders, and provide information about divorce and custody issues. Our Family Violence Victim Advocates are here to ensure that a victim’s voice is heard throughout the court process.

We are not permitted to give legal advice, but we can provide information about many aspects of court proceedings.

Our services at The Center for Empowerment and Education are confidential, with the exception of any mandated reports involving cases such as child or elderly abuse, and other circumstances where someone is at risk of imminent harm.

Protective Orders:

• Issued by a criminal court judge against a person who was arrested for domestic violence.
• There are three different levels of protective orders— Limited, Residential Stay Away, or a Full No Contact.
• Advocates are available during and following the arraignment to help victims navigate and understand their options as a victim of violence.

The protective order will last until the end of the criminal case. At some point in the criminal case, conditions can be modified by a judge if a motion is filed by the victim or the defendant. Only a judge can change an order. When a criminal case ends with a guilty plea, the victim is eligible for a Standing Criminal Protective Order which can last for a specific time.

Temporary Restraining Order:

• The Temporary Restraining Order is a civil court order for anyone being subjected to a continuous threat or present physical pain or injury, stalking, pattern of threatening or coercive control. It can also involve decisions about custody and orders of maintenance.
• A judge will decide whether or not the order is granted. If granted, the victim will receive an exparte (emergency) order on the same day it is filed. If denied, a court hearing date will be set for both parties to appear.
• Advocates will help victims navigate the Temporary Restraining Order process by assisting with the application and providing advocacy when it is filed.

There is no fee for filing a restraining order in court and the State pays for the marshals to serve them.

If you have any questions regarding the above information, please contact us.