The Nest is a resource center for families going through a crisis and works with law enforcement and other organizations to offer support. The resource center says in some homes, stress is handled in violent and abusive ways, which has increased during the pandemic.
Domestic abuse is a pattern of controlling behavior that can include physical, emotional, psychological or sexual abuse. When a victim would like to protect themselves from their abuser, that's where the nest comes in to help. While there are many ways to do this, sometimes a victim must file a protective order.
"There's two types of protection orders our court system can enter. There is a Domestic Violence Protection Order and what's called an Interpersonal Protection Order," Hunter Hickman, attorney for The Nest, said.
Hickman says the only difference between the two is who the order protects. The DVO protects yourself along with other family members, like children, and the IPO is filed when the victim doesn't have a relationship with the accused abuser.
You can apply 24/7 in-person by going to the courthouse.
"The most important part about that initial filing, is that you put in that petition what led you down to the court house," Hickman said.
Hickman says he also advises his clients to mention previous incidents. Once it's filed, you'll have 14 days until your court date. The attorney says the petition will grant you no contact with the abuser, including restricting location.
"Work, home, if you know you're going to be at your parent's house. Anywhere where you are, where's there's demonstrable danger to you, you can put it on the order."
Hickman says in his experience, the hardest part for victims is taking the step to file the paperwork.
"Protective orders are there for a reason. They're there to make you feel safe. So if something is happening to you, if you're being victimized in some way, go file."
