What happens if the order is violated?

Once a 209A Order is issued, violation of certain terms of the Order is a criminal offense. Violations of orders to refrain from abuse, to have no contact, and to vacate a household, multiple family dwelling or workplace, can be prosecuted criminally under chapter 209A. If the abuser violates the order, call the police immediately. Show the Order to the police and explain how it was violated ( a punch, slap, threat; entering your house or apartment or refusing to vacate; or, any contact with you at home or your workplace, either in person, by telephone or mail).

The police must arrest the abuser if they believe or can see that the terms of the Order were violated. If you do not call the police, you may be able to file an application for a criminal complaint on your own at the Clerk’s Office in the District Court. A Victim/Witness Advocate can assist you with that process.

If you put yourself in contact with the abuser, he is vulnerable to arrest. Therefore, if you want any terms of the order to no longer apply, you should return to court and ask that the order be modified or vacated.

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1. What will the Judge do before speaking with you?
2. What happens next?
3. What about child custody and visitation?
4. What Relief can I ask for on an application?
5. How can I get an order in District Court?
6. Where can I get a 209A Order?
7. What is the legal definition of Abuse?
8. What is a 209A order?
9. What questions are asked on the forms?
10. What happens at the end of the year or effective date?
11. What is a 10 day hearing?
12. What happens if an arrest is made?
13. What happens if the order is violated?
14. Can a minor obtain a 209A Order?
15. What should you do if you want to change the terms of the order?
16. Will the intervention stop the abuse?
17. What happens after the arraignment?
18. What happens in the arraignment?