How to Avoid Violence After Placing a Restraining Order

July 23, 2024

A protective restraining order is a legal device that can be placed on a person who is threatening the safety of others. According to Pennsylvania State University, having a permanent protection order was associated with an 80% reduction rate in police-reported physical violence annually. Restraining orders can be very effective at creating a safer environment for people. There are steps you should take, however, to ensure that further violence doesn’t result. Let's take a closer look.

Set up a Support System

It’s a good idea to have a strong support system in place for yourself or your children. This support system should be made up of individuals that you trust and who will assist you should further contact or violence ensue. The individual on whom the restraining order has been placed should be aware that you have a support system. They need to know that you're not a helpless victim but that you have people to support and protect you.

Make No Contact With the Individual

Although it may seem counterintuitive, many people who have restraining orders placed on someone also winded up contacting the person later on. This is due in part to the fact that there is often some type of strong connection between the two people. This can be either of a romantic or familial nature. Sometimes, the victim of violence wants very much to heal the relationship so that the two people can have a healthy partnership and move on. Although those may sound like noble intentions, you must remember that violence has either happened or been threatened. You need protection from this person. Now is not the time to try to heal the relationship and reinstate contact.

Follow the Outline of the Order

Not only will the other individual be under specific guidelines concerning the restraining order, but you will be under certain guidelines as well. You need to be clear on what is expected of you during this time. If you fail to follow the restraining order yourself, you might cause further legal complications for everyone involved. The lawyer and court system has your best interests in mind, so you must rely on their experience and expertise.

These are just a few things you should know about restraining orders and how to prevent further altercations from ensuing. If you’re looking for a reliable lawyer in your area, please contact Nigel Villanueva today!

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3 Legal Protections a Restraining Order Offers in Domestic Violence Cases

July 24, 2025

Domestic violence remains a serious issue that affects people across all backgrounds. According to PlanStreet, more than one in three women and one in four men have experienced physical violence, rape, or stalking by an intimate partner in their lifetime. For those experiencing abuse, a restraining order provides important legal protections that can help create immediate safety and long-term stability. Working with an experienced restraining order lawyer can make a critical difference in securing these protections effectively. Enforce Distance From the Abuser One of the primary legal protections a restraining order offers is requiring the abuser to stay a certain distance away from the victim. This includes places like the victim’s home, workplace, or even a child’s school. By enforcing physical separation, the law aims to reduce opportunities for further violence, intimidation, or harassment. The mandated distance serves as a legal barrier that protects victims from additional harm and can deter the abuser from violating boundaries. Prohibit All Forms of Contact Restraining orders can also prevent the abuser from contacting the victim in any way. This includes phone calls, text messages, emails, social media, or indirect communication through third parties. In today’s digital world, cutting off all forms of communication is vital. Constant threats or manipulation through messages can retraumatize victims and disrupt their healing. A restraining order lawyer can help ensure this no-contact clause is strongly enforced so that victims can begin to rebuild their emotional well-being. Extend Protection to Children In many domestic violence cases, children are also at risk. Restraining orders can include provisions to protect minor children, such as restricting visitation rights or establishing supervised visits. Courts may tailor the order to safeguard the child’s physical and emotional safety. Ensuring the protection of children helps prevent long-term trauma and promotes a healthier, more secure environment for the family. A skilled restraining order lawyer can assist in including appropriate child-related protections in the order. Take the Next Step Toward Safety If you or someone you know is facing domestic violence, legal help is available. Restraining orders offer life-saving protections—from enforcing distance, blocking communication, and safeguarding children. Don’t wait to take action. Contact Nigel Villanueva today to speak with a knowledgeable attorney who can guide you through the process and help you reclaim control over your life.