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Baitul Hemayah, Inc.
"Empowering Muslim & Non-Muslim Women Worldwide"
Baitul Hemayah, Inc. | Copyright © 2003-2008
"Praise is due to God who fed us, provided us drink...and provided us with
shelter, (because) for many people there is no one to provide shelter."
The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) recommended saying:
Sahih Muslim, Hadeeth 1255
What is an Order of Protection?
An Order of Protection is a document issued by a court to help protect you
from harassment or abuse. In an Order of Protection, a judge can set limits
on your partner's behavior.

How can an Order of Protection help?
While an Order of Protection cannot guarantee your safety, it can help.

How do I get an Order of Protection?
Two types of courts are available to provide protection to victims of domestic
violence—criminal and civil.

  1. Criminal Court punishes crime by imposing fines, jail time, and/or
    probation. Criminal court is available to all victims of domestic violence
    whether or not they are related to the abuser. However, an order of
    protection can only be issued after criminal charges are filed. If you are
    the person who is pressing charges, the district attorney will handle the
    case. If charges are being made against you, you should get an
    attorney to defend you.
  2. Family Court is a civil court with the goal of protecting you and your
    family. You can go to Family Court if you are legally married to,
    divorced from, or otherwise related to your abuser, or if you have a
    child in common with your abuser.
What is domestic violence?
According to the West Virginia Coalition against Domestic Violence,
"Domestic violence is a pattern of coercive behavior used by one person in
order to maintain power and control in a relationship". Batterers repeatedly
subject their victims to physical, sexual, verbal, emotional and financial tactics
of control in order to force them to do what they will, without any regard to the
victim's rights or well-being.

What is the Legal Definition of Domestic Violence in NJ?
In general, if a family or household member hurts you or tries to hurt you (with
or without using a weapon) or gives you reason to believe that they are going
to hurt you in the near future, that person has committed an act of domestic
violence. For the purposes of getting a restraining order, you must have a
specific relationship with your abuser. (http://www.womenslaw.org/)
Domestic Violence
Legal Resources
Online Resources