Hi,

Thanks for looking at this.

Here is the situation: Woman (late 20s) has young child. Boyfriend is often violent. Boyfriend was arrested about 1.5 months ago for hitting woman and child. Boyfriend is now on 1 year probation due to that incident.

Boyfriend also has a restraining order against him. I do not know if it is an order merely relating to the woman or the child or both. Boyfriend and women have been back together at various points. No one knows more details about the recent interactions, but friends and family are worried about the woman and the child.

Question: who can enforce the order if the woman is afraid to do so? Can the woman's parents do so in order to protect the child and grandchild? Who can?

Any other thoughts or things to note? Who would one contact? The court system? Police? What type of evidence is sufficient?

Thanks for the help,

-- Anonymous, February 20, 2001

Answers

p.s. I personally have not seen the violations, but several friends have. I do not know if they would be willing to say so or not, but I bet they'd prefer to have a neutral third party witness/video-tape or whatever it.

-- Anonymous, February 20, 2001

I am not a lawyer, but I believe the police will enforce the order. I would call them, or call a domestic violence hotline.

-- Anonymous, March 07, 2001

In Fla all one has to do is say that there was a violation or that they are afraid. no video tape is needed. Just comvince the police that there was an injunction violation and that the order is still good. they'll handle the rest.

-- Anonymous, April 27, 2001

Jim,

It changes from state. In Georgia there are sevral types of "restraining order. Most are inforced by the local Sheriff's Departments. Afew years ago Georgia started using a "tempory protective order" due to the fact that aa restraining order did basicly nothing. With a "TPO" the victim can have the perpatratior arrested for stalking. You'll have to check your local laws, also most orders are void if the victim allows the perp to "violate" the order.

-- Anonymous, August 27, 2001

Sadly protecting one from a crime of any nature is not the responsibility of the law enforcement agencies. This has been proven in court. What are they gonna do, follow her around 24/7 to make sure she remains safe? Of course not. Can't be done. She really should consider taking self-defense courses. Martial arts and concealed carry permit courses are examples.

If her boyfriend violates the TRO, what are the cops gonna do? Not much. They have to be aware it is happening, and then the response can be disappointing. If she can defend herself, that allows a better response from law enforcement.

Her boyfriend is a cruel and vile creature, and he does not fear those whom he abuses. But, when they begin fighting back, he'll gain a new respect for them. May not be much, but it may be enough to get him to stop.

-- Anonymous, March 05, 2002

She would only be able to enforce the order,perhaps taking another order against him with other family members,up to the judge. is there support group in her area,if she would attend them it could only help her realize the 'dead end' trap she is in with him. in order to stop the next generation of violence,it has to be stopped here first. I attend meetings as often as I hear of them.

-- Anonymous, March 25, 2002

when a person calls their local law enrcement office to reqwest a restraining order, a officer will ascort you to your home if needed to deliver the order . from the time you get it you will not have to be alone with the other party. fla law says for a parent of a 16 or younger,parent can place a order for a child but over 16 the child must give thier consent. ladies,or amany one thier is help .i know poeple who can help. i am heneritta@msn.com

-- Anonymous, April 14, 2003