1. A “209A Order” or an Abuse Prevention Order you can receive it if you and the abuser are:

(a). Were married;
(b). Residing together in the same household;
(c). In a substantive dating or engagement relationship;
(d). Related by marriage or blood; and
(e). Have a child in common.

2. Another way is if you are suffering from abuse; because the abuser has harmed or attempted to harm you physically, put you in fear of eminent serious physical harm, or caused you to engage in sexual relations involuntarily by use of force, threats or duress.

3. The third way is if you currently live within the geographical area of the court that you are seeking the Abuse Prevention Order; or you used to live within that geographical area, but left to avoid the abuse.

The Judge can order that without prior notice, if there is a substantial likelihood of immediate danger or abuse. You can even seek that after hours with the police or an on call Judge.

A Harassment Prevention Order; however is different, and that is if you are suffering from harassment because someone has committed 3 or more acts that were willful and malicious; that were aimed at you and; were intended to cause you fear, intimidation, abuse or damage to property, and did in fact cause you fear, intimidation, abuse or damage to property; or someone has caused you at least once to engage in sexual relations involuntarily by using force; threats; duress or someone has committed against you at least once; and act in violates different statutes including, indecent assault and battery; rape; statutory rape; assault with the intent to rape; enticing a child; criminal stalking; criminal harassment or drugging for sexual intercourse; and you are currently living within the geographical area of the court; and again this can be issued without prior notice if there is a substantial likelihood of immediate danger of harassment.