Your rights when seeking a protection order

Navigating a protection order can feel overwhelming, especially when you are already carrying the emotional weight of abuse or harassment. One of the most important things to keep in mind is that you are entitled to clear guidance from the very beginning. Ask what the next steps are, when documents must be filed, and what the court expects from you at each stage. Having this clarity helps prevent delays that can leave you feeling further exposed or unsupported.

You should also pay close attention to how you are treated by the people assisting you. You never have to tolerate inappropriate remarks, personal comments, minimising behaviour or anything that makes you uncomfortable. If an attorney, clerk or officer shifts the interaction into something social or crosses professional boundaries, you do not have to accept it.

Your dignity is a legal right, not something you must negotiate. It is equally important to remember that your lived reality as a survivor matters. Whether you are dealing with trauma, fear, financial strain, threats from an abuser, or emotional exhaustion, professionals must accommodate that reality, not dismiss it or treat your distress as an inconvenience. The law requires that those assisting you act with sensitivity, respect and genuine understanding of the impact that violence and harassment have on every aspect of your life. You are not expected to move through this process as if the harm never happened.

Communication is another area to be mindful of. If someone handling your case becomes difficult to reach, offers vague answers, or repeatedly delays without explanation, you are entitled to question whether your matter is being managed properly. You may ask for confirmation when documents are filed and request proof. Protect yourself by keeping your messages and notes, they may be important if things unravel later.

If you decide to change attorneys, remember that you have a legal right to your full file and a proper accounting of your payments. You should not be sent from place to place, asked to meet in unusual locations, or made to feel that asking for your own documents is unreasonable. Requesting accountability is not confrontation, it is your right.

Most importantly, understand that the protection order process exists to keep you safe, not to add stress or uncertainty. If the formal process becomes too heavy or delayed, the law allows for alternatives, including undertakings and negotiated safety arrangements that can offer immediate stability. These options exist precisely because survivors’ realities are complex, urgent, and deserving of swift support.

You deserve clarity, respect and safety at every step. If something feels wrong, trust yourself and seek help that honours your experience and your dignity.