Types of Protective Orders
Emergency Protective Order
True or False: All relationships are eligible to apply for an EPO.
False. In order to apply for an EPO, the people involved must be spouses (or ex-spouses), unmarried and living together (or previously), or share a child in common. Some relationships that qualify for EPOs also include parent/grandparent, child/stepchild/grandchild, a household member of a minor victim, or an adult sibling.
True or False: Getting a Protective Order is extremely difficult.
False. There is some paperwork involved, but advocates are always available to answer questions at filing. You will often be given an approval or denial of your temporary protective order within an hour of filing it.
Who can you talk to at Chrysalis House to help you apply for a protective order?
Trauma Therapist (Me!)
What is the name of the program that allows you to register information to be accessible to dispatchers when calling 911?
Smart911
How long can EPOs (or TIPOs) last?
Up to 6 months
What is it called when you get a protective order as a member of a dating relationship, a victim of sexual assault (offender known or unknown), or a victim of stalking (offender known or unknown).
Temporary Interpersonal Protective Order (TIPO)
Who decides if the EPO is initially granted?
The Circuit Court Judge
What is the title of the person that can help arrange for safe visitation between respondent and shared children?
Friend of the Court
True or False: You have to pay for a 911 cellphone.
How long can EPOs or TIPOs last?
Up to 6 months
What actions are required in order to be eligible for a protective order?
Domestic violence / abuse, physical injury, stalking, sexual abuse, assault, OR infliction of fear of imminent harm or danger (threats that make you fear for your safety).
True or False: EPOs are always either immediately granted or denied.
False. Sometimes the judge will do a court summons to get more information before making a decision.
True or False: You MUST have an attorney to file a protective order.
False. However, there are attorneys in Fayette County that you can contact that take Domestic Violence Cases pro bono. One example is The Nest, that has a Domestic Violence Attorney on staff that takes referrals.
True or False: You have to go to domestic violence court on your own.
False. You are able to have the trauma therapist, an advocate, and/or an attorney with you. They may not always approach the bench with you, but will sit with you while waiting and stay in the courtroom the whole time.
True or False: All protective orders require no contact between the applicant ("petitioner") and the perpetrator ("respondent").
False. "No Contact" Orders require that no interaction (in person, virtually, via mutual friends / family) occur and people remain 500 feet apart at all times. "No Violent Contact" Orders require that no further acts of violence occur during contact (sort of like a warning).
What types of family members can an EPO be filed against?
Spouse / ex-spouse, parent, grandparent, child/stepchild/grandchild, or adult sibling.
True or False: The EPO is active as soon as it is granted.
False. The EPO must be served to the respondent (perpetrator) before it is considered active.
Where in Lexington can you go 24/7 to file a protective order?
The Amanda Center, through the Fayette County Sheriff's Office.
Name 1 of 2 places you can take your pets for shelter when experiencing domestic violence.
Greenhouse 17 or Lexington-Fayette Animal Care and Control (LFACC).
What kind of protective order(s) can be last for up to 1-3 years?
Domestic Violence Order (DVO) or Interpersonal Protective Order (IPO)
What non-family members can you file an EPO against?
Someone you have a child with, live (or lived) with, or that lives in the household with a minor victim.
What happens to the respondent (perpetrator) if they ignore the protective order AND you file a violation?
The respondent will typically be taken into custody each time a violation is filed. This is intended to discourage a repeat of the behavior.
What is the system that you can utilize to see if a respondent has been released from jail or served a protective order?
VINE (Victim Information Notification Everyday).
If a person has an active protective order against them, what are they not allowed to purchase / own / possess?
Firearms or ammunition