Personal Protection Orders (PPOs)

How can Shelterhouse assist you?

Shelterhouse's legal advocates are available to assist you with the PPO process: Support you as you fill out the necessary PPO paperwork (including offering you tips for filling out the forms accurately and effectively) Answering questions regarding what the legal process might look like for you, what steps you'll need to complete, and how to keep yourself safe during court proceedings.

Providing court accompaniment so that you don't have to go through this process alone.

Disclaimer: Shelterhouse cannot offer any official legal advice

Shelterhouse Services Shelterhouse serves all victims of domestic and sexual violence regardless of age, gender, race, sexual orientation, income, or ability level. Services are confidential and free of charge.

SERVICES 24-hour help line Safe shelter Support groups Counseling and advocacy Housing assistance Court accompaniment Sexual assault medical forensic examinations

You don't have to go through this alone.

24-Hour Help Line Call: 877-216-6383 Text: 989-200-5122

Midland Office: 989-835-6771 Gladwin Office: 989-426-9413 www.shelterhousemidland.org

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Guide to

Personal Protection Orders

What is a personal protection order (PPO), and how do I know if I'll qualify for one?

What happens if a PPO is violated?

Law enforcement should be immediately notified if a respondent (the person against whom you filed the PPO) violates the terms of the court order.

A PPO is a court order that protects you from someone who has assaulted you, stalked you, or threatened to harm you. This court order prohibits that person from: Having contact with you, whether in-person or via phone, email, or social media Following/approaching you Entering the place you live Purchasing or possessing a firearm Interfering with you at your place of employment or school Doing anything that causes you a reasonable fear of harm

If they are not arrested, you have a right to file a "motion to show cause" in court that will require the respondent to come to court and potentially face jail time and or a fine.

Domestic PPO Protects you from your spouse or exspouse, your child's other parent, someone you live with or used to live with, or someone you are currently dating or previously dated.

Non-Domestic Stalking PPO Protects you from someone who has committed two or more actions against your will to frighten, threaten, harass, or molest you.

Non-Domestic Sexual Assault PPO Protects you from someone who has sexually assaulted you, whether they were convicted of their crime or not. If your intimate partner was the one who assaulted you, the Domestic PPO would be the appropriate choice.

Important Things to Know How to file for a PPO PPOs can be filed for at the county clerk's office in any Michigan county, regardless of if you live there or not.

Shelterhouse is able to provide you with the necessary paperwork if you choose to utilize legal advocacy services.

Call: 877-216-6383 Text: 989-200-5122

PPOs are free to file Hiring an attorney is not necessary to file a PPO If your initial PPO request is denied, you have the right to request a hearing to reconsider PPOs can be renewed at least 28 days before they expire Keep a copy of your PPO on hand for safety purposes