Protection orders are unfortunate but a necessary part of the New York legal system. If you recently went through a difficult divorce or breakup, sometimes the relationship devolves into abuse or harassment.
According to WomensLaw.org, a New York order of protection requires the victim to allege one or more family offenses against the abuser. A family offense occurs when the victim and abuser have blood relations, married or have a child in common. Continue reading for a brief overview of the crimes that fall under a family offense.
Disorderly conduct
Disorderly conduct is a crime that covers several possible offenses. According to the New York State Senate, disorderly conduct occurs when the abuser intends to cause a public inconvenience or create annoyance and alarm. Behaviors that fall under this category might include fighting, threatening behavior, unreasonable noise, abusive language or refusal to comply with lawful conduct.
Harassment
Harassment may be in the first or second degree. Second-degree harassment occurs when the abuser strikes or uses physical contact to threaten the victim. It also occurs when the abuser repeatedly commits acts of annoyance or alarm that do not serve a purpose. First-degree harassment occurs when the victim becomes reasonably afraid for their safety. Usually, first-degree harassment leads to an additional charge of stalking.
People who do not suffer from physical abuse often do not realize they are in an abusive relationship. There are many more crimes that might warrant an order of protection. Look out for the signs of a family offense, and do not accept a dangerous or emotionally harmful relationship with your ex-spouse.
