You are not alone.
We are here to support you on your journey to safety.
What Can I Expect at Court?
Our trained legal advocate will explain the process, discuss expectations, and accompany survivors in court to petition for an Order of Protection.
A Camden House advocate will stay with survivors and provide support during their testimony. Our advocates also help survivors develop safety plans for their unique situations, and provide referrals to community services.
Camden House collaborates with the Georgia Legal, which provides free legal services to those who qualify.
We Have Answers
Camden House Court Advocates can answer the important questions you have.
- How will an Order of Protection keep me safe?
- What do I do if my abuser violates the order?
- How do I deal with visitation when there is an Order of Protection?
- What is an Order of Protection? How do I serve an Order of Protection?
- Temporary Order of Protection
What is an order of protection?
It is an order issued by a court to limit the behavior of someone who harms or threatens to harm another person. You do not need a police report in order to file for an order of protection.
What does an order do?
The order may direct the offending person not to injure, threaten or harass you or any other person(s) listed in the order. It may include, but not be limited to, directing the named individual to:
- stay away from you
- stay away from your children
- stay away from your home, place of employment, school, etc.
- not communicate with you by any means, including a third person
- refrain from abusive or threatening behavior
- move out of your home
- grant temporary physical residency of minor children
- not have a gun
How do I file for a Temporary Order of Protection?
Camden House’s Legal Advocate will help you through the process by providing support, court accompaniment, and safety planning. The process may take a while, so contact Camden House as soon as possible for assistance.
What if someone violates an order of protection?
It is a crime to violate a temporary or final order of protection. The individual does not have to hit you to violate the order. If the subject does not obey the order, then you can call the police to press charges or choose to go to court to file a violation or both.
All services are free of charge and confidential.