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Protection From Abuse

Protection From Abuse Assistance

The Victim Assistance Unit has a staff of advocates who assist victims of domestic violence through the protection order process. The advocates also provide assistance in filing emergency orders, crisis intervention, information, and referrals to social service agencies, education, and preparation prior to court hearings and advocacy during and after court hearings.

A protection order is a civil order which can:

1. Restrain the defendant from contacting you;
2. Restrain the defendant from your residence;
3. Give temporary custody of the children to you;
4. Restrain the defendant from your workplace;
5. Order the defendant to pay support and/or arrange for the return of your property.

You can get a protection order if you have been abused or threatened by someone with whom you live, have lived, or with whom you have a child in common, and want an order to protect you and/or your child from further abuse.

How To Get A Protection Order

Please call the Johnson County Victim Assistance Unit at (913) 715-3004, and we will assist you in filing the appropriate forms.

Violations

If your abuser breaks the protection order:   Call the police.

Planning For Safety

Plan for safety in case of further violence. You do not have control over your partner's violence. However, you do have a choice about how to respond to him/her and how to best get yourself and your children to safety. Plan to leave immediately if you feel in danger. Practice how to get out safely. What doors, windows, stairwells, or fire escapes would you use? Decide which room is the safest room in the house or apartment. Tell a neighbor about the violence and request they call the police if they hear suspicious noises coming from your home. Don't keep what's happening to you a secret.

Be Prepared

Keep the following items in a safe but easy to reach place:

1. Local police department phone number and the emergency number of your local domestic violence program;
   


2. Car keys (or have an emergency transportation plan worked out in advance);
   


3. Clothing in case you have to leave quickly;
   


4. Copies of birth certificates, medical, and social security cards, identification, and any other important papers for you and your children;
   


5. Small bag with essentials, medication, change for telephone calls, address book, tooth brush, etc.;
   


6. Don't tell your abuser about your plan to leave.