Have you ever had to get an order of protection?
Its not a great experience, at the time, but well worth it. I will never forget standing up in court, in front of a bunch of people, explaining the incidences, on why I needed this protection. People are in court for so many reasons, and most don't understand Domestic Violence. They listen with amazement.
I got my order of protection, and I was relieved. I didn't have to deal to my ex-husband. I was lucky enough to have delt with a legal advocate, who would drop my daughter off for visitation.
When I actually went back to court for my final divorce hearing, my ex-husband didn't even show up. The judge took out another order of protection of the next year to follow.
What your experiences with orders of protections?
Did your abuser co-operate with the order? Did you think it scared them?
I know my abuser was terrified to end up in jail if he violated the order, so I guess it worked. He usually thought he was above the law, but this was a great reality check.