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Order of
Protection
If
you are being beaten or threatened by someone you live with, a family
member, a former spouse or someone you formerly lived with, you may want
to get an Order of Protection from the Circuit Court.
An Order of Protection can:
- Order your batterer to stay away from you. If he
violates the order, the police can arrest him without having to get
a warrant.
- Make your batterer move out if you are living
together.
How do I get an Order of Protection?
An Order of Protection is issued by
the Circuit Court, when a judge finds that a Petitioner has been
threatened or harmed by a Respondent and is in immediate and
present danger of domestic abuse.
Domestic abuse means: Physical harm,
bodily injury, assault, or the infliction of fear of imminent physical
harm, bodily injury or assault between family or household members; or
any sexual conduct between family or household members, whether minors,
or adults which constitutes a crime under the laws of this state.
The relationship between the parties
(Petitioner and Respondent) must be family or household members. This
requirement is met when the parties are:
- Spouses (present or former)
- Parent and child
- Reside together or cohabitate (currently or
formerly)
- Blood relatives
- Have or had a child or children in common
A family or household member may petition
on behalf of another family or household member who is a minor or who
has been adjudicated incompetent. Also, the Petitioner and Respondent
must each be age 18 or emancipated.
If you have recently been a victim of
domestic violence and need immediate protection, you may qualify for an
Order of Protection. There are no costs to initially file for the Order.
Costs may be incurred if you fail to show up for your Court date or
decide to dismiss your Order at the time of your hearing. In addition,
if after the hearing you decide to dismiss the Order, you may also be
assessed court costs.
To obtain an Order of
Protection, 479-474-5000 to
schedule an appointment at the Prosecutor’s Office. The Office is
located at
206 South 3rd Street, Van Buren, Arkansas.
To obtain an Order of Protection, you
must read the
Order of Protection Instructions
- pdf and
complete the
Petition Form.-pdf
For quicker assistance, please print and complete the Form before
arriving at the Prosecutor’s Office.
Additionally, you are encouraged to
use the Sample Safety Plan-pdf
as a tool to help protect yourself.
Contact us:
8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. , Monday through
Friday
Closed Legal Holidays
Driving Directions:
From Interstate 540: Take Exit 3, Highway
59. Turn west (right) on 4th Street. Turn left on Drennen and Right on
3rd Street. We are located on the left between the two bridges.
FOR
EMERGENCY ASSISTANCE, CALL 911! |
