Civil Protection Orders and Domestic Abuse

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Effectiveness of Civil Protection Orders for Domestic Abused Victims Forensic Pychology Instructor Shelley Hyland Abstract This paper examined the effectiveness of civil protection orders. The pros and cons of civil protection orders as well as their reliability were examined. Research has shown there are disadvantages of civil protection orders which give reason to assume they are not substantially effective. A review of literature was conducted regarding different types of protection orders, civil protection orders, the laws surrounding them and their effectiveness. Introduction Domestic violence involves any type of abuse that occurs in a personal relationship. Domestic violence abuse can involve emotional, physical, sexual and financial abuse. Abusers may use fear, bullying, and/or threats in order to have power and control over the victim. Abusers might act jealous, controlling, or possessive. Domestic violence occurs in men and women of any race, ethnicity, or religion, whether they are gay or straight, rich or poor, teen, adult, or elderly. Most domestic abused victims are women being abused by men (Women’s Aid 2012). In attempt to prevent further abuse, victims can obtain a protection order and/or a restraining order. Protection orders and restraining orders differ across states but are both used to protect victims in different ways. Civil Protection Orders (CPO) are usually used to protect victims of domestic violence. Restraining orders are commonly used to protect property such as in divorce cases, however they can also be used to keep victims from being harassed, threatened or harmed. Although a CPO can be very helpful in protecting victims, there are issues that cause these orders to be less effective. Previous research has found there is room for improvement regarding various issues surrounding the CPO process. The statutes of CPO’s
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