Most people leave their abusers seven times before making a final break. If you’ve gone back to an abuser before and now need protection, you have every right to seek help. Your past choices don’t affect your right to safety today.
What is a protection order?
A domestic violence restraining order tells your abuser to stay away from you. California courts know that leaving abuse isn’t simple. The law cares about keeping you safe now, not what happened before. When a judge approves your order, your abuser must stop all contact with you and stay away from your home and work. Breaking these rules leads to arrest.
Your rights remain strong
Going back to an abuser doesn’t hurt your chances of getting protection. Here’s what you need to do when you file:
- Tell the truth about your past relationship.
- List current threats to your safety.
- Save texts and emails that show abuse.
- Ask witnesses to support your case.
- Get help from domestic violence experts.
The court looks at your safety needs right now. Your past returns to the relationship might even help your case. They show the court that the abuse is real and ongoing. Sacramento courts want to protect you from harm, and they know that leaving abuse takes time.
Your choice to seek safety matters more than your past decisions to return to an abuser. Every day, judges grant protection orders to people who’ve gone back before. To move forward, consider contacting a lawyer who knows domestic violence law. You’ll get precise details about protection orders and learn to stay safe while waiting for your court date.