Mutual Protective Orders & Peace Orders
In addition to interim, temporary, and final protective orders, a victim of domestic violence can also obtain two other forms of relief:
Mutual Protective Orders
A petition for a protective order can be filed by both spouses, but a substantial amount of proof must be presented based on two facts:
- Both spouses acted as primary aggressors
- Neither party acted in self defense
Peace Orders
A peace order is available to those who are victims of 4 broader types of abuse:
- Harassment
- Stalking
- Trespassing
- Destruction of property
The person seeking the peace order must have been abused within 30 days of the filing of the petition, and the abuse must occur repeatedly.
The relief available under a peace order is the same as under a protective order, but the timeframe is different. A temporary peace order lasts for only seven days, and a final peace order last for 6 months. Peace orders can be modified.