Domestic violence is a plague that affects families and households around the country.
The term refers to any violence, threats, or abuse against a family member by another family member for the purpose of maintaining power and control over the victim.
Domestic violence, while it usually involves physical acts, is often founded on a psychological foundation; the physical results are simply more visible than the psychological scars.
If you are looking for more information on Civil Protection Orders in Dayton, contact our law firm today.
Our Dayton Family Law Firm Can Help
Domestic violence can be manifested in many different ways, but often includes:
- Physical violence,
- Threats of violence,
- Intimidation,
- Emotional abuse,
- Sexual abuse, or
- Withholding money or food.
How Do I Obtain a Civil Protection Order in Ohio?
A CPO is issued by a domestic relations court to protect a victim of domestic violence. A CPO is intended to prevent further domestic violence.
It orders someone who has been abusive to do or not do certain things in the future.
You may want to consider getting a CPO even if you have a TPO from a criminal court because a CPO lasts longer and provides more benefits, such as child custody and support orders.
Domestic violence includes the commission of sexually oriented offenses.
Violating a CPO is a crime. If the Respondent violates the CPO, he or she may be arrested, jailed, and fined for disobeying the CPO.
A CPO can remain in effect for up to five years.
If the Respondent violates the CPO, you can call the police, go back to the domestic relations court to file a contempt charge, and go to the prosecutor’s office to have the Respondent charged with the crime of violating the CPO.
A Civil Protection Order (CPO) may last up to five (5) years.
A petition for a Civil Protection Order (CPO) can be filed with the Domestic Relations Court with the help of a Dayton family law firm.
The CPO (Civil Protection Order) may include the following orders:
- Direct the abuser to stop the abuse;
- Grant possession of the residence or household to you and/or another family member, to the exclusion of the abuser; evict the abuser; or order the abuser to vacate the premises, or (if the abuser has the duty to support you) order the abuser to provide suitable alternative housing;
- Award temporary custody and establish temporary custody orders with regard to minor children (if no other court has determined custody and visitation rights);
- Require the abuser to maintain support if the abuser customarily provides for or contributes to the support of the family or household, or if the abuser has a duty to support under the law;
- Require counseling;
- Require the abuser to refrain from entering the residence, school, business, or place of employment of the victim or other family members;
- Grant any other relief that the court considers fair, including, but not limited to, ordering the abuser to permit the use of a motor vehicle to the victim, and ordering a fair apportionment of household and family personal property.
If you have experienced domestic violence or spousal abuse, then please call the dedicated and caring Dayton, Ohio family lawyers at Gounaris Abboud, LPA for your free consultation. Remember, time is of the essence in all family law matters.
If you are in doubt of your legal rights in a family law related matter, then contact our family lawyers at the Dayton family law firm of Gounaris Abboud, LPA for your free case analysis.
Do not face a family law matter without knowing your rights, at Gounaris Abboud, LPA, protecting your rights is all we do.
How Does a Civil Protection Order Work in Ohio?
First, a judge has to grant you a civil protection order. This order forces the defendant to keep away from you for your safety.
However, these orders do not necessarily guarantee that you are safe.
You should create a safety plan even with a protection order and follow these safety tips below:
- Place your own safety first. If you fear your abuser will harm you, get out and get to a safe location. Trust your instincts.
- Set aside an emergency bag. You should have an emergency bag available that includes items such as extra keys, important documents, and clothes.
- Keep a copy of the protection order with you. You should always carry an extra copy of this protection order.
- Lock doors and windows. Make sure your doors and windows are always locked. Also, consider changing the locks on your door.
- Avoid the defendant. Do not go to places where you think the defendant might be. You should also surround yourself with people.
- Alert neighbors. Ask your neighbors to call the police if they notice the defendant near your home.
- Call police if the defendant hurts you or violates the CPO. If your abuser harms you, run out the door and contact the police. Do not stay in the house. Yell for help once you have left.
- Know where you will go for help. It is vital to have a plan in advance for where you will go if something happens. This should be somewhere you know you will be safe and can keep your emergency bag with you.
Taking these important steps can help keep you safe even if your abuser violates the CPO.
What Do You Need for a Restraining Order?
You can file a request for a Civil Protection Order by contacting the Domestic Relations Court.
Keep in mind that you do not need to file for divorce to request a CPO. If you are considering requesting a restraining order in Dayton, Ohio, reach out to attorneys today.
How Long Does a CPO Last in Ohio?
In Ohio, Civil Protection Orders last for a maximum of five years. You can also renew them for an additional five years.
If you need a violation of protection order attorney in Dayton, contact Gounaris Abboud, LPA today.
Contact Gounaris Abboud, LPA
Our attorneys are licensed to practice in the state of Ohio and concentrate their family law practice in the following Ohio counties: Montgomery, Greene, Miami, Warren, Butler, Preble, Darke, Logan, Clinton, Shelby, Champaign, Clark, Clermont and Hamilton, Ohio.
If you are a victim of domestic violence, Gounaris Abboud, LPA wants you to know that you can be safe.
Contact your nearest law enforcement and then contact us at 937-222-1515 to learn more about how we can provide legal protection for you.