I have tried staying on good terms with my ex boyfriend and it hasn’t ended well. I was pretending to be in good standing with him and he figured out it wasn’t the case and called me telling me he was going to ruin my life, incinerated he was going to contact my exes, talked down to me and called me about every name in the book- I got an hour of it on recording. He however did not say he would physically harm me. I am worried he will harass people spreading lies about me or just embarrassing me. Am I able to take a restraining order out based on this? If not, what steps should I take to prepare things for an attorney if it does escalate to feeling threatened for my physical safety?
You are able to get a domestic violence protective order (DVPO) not only for bodily injury but also if your ex-boyfriend has placed you or a member of your family or household in fear of imminent serious bodily injury or continued harassment such that it rises to the level of inflicting substantial emotional distress.
You may not have enough for a DVPO now, but it is best to document every contact he has with you so you can prove substantial emotional distress if it rises to that level for you in the future. You will need to prove some effect on you in order for it to be considered substantial emotional distress.
You can also get a DVPO if he attempts to cause or intentionally causes bodily injury to you or a minor child living with you.
Anna Ayscue
Attorney with Rosen Law Firm Cary • Chapel Hill • Durham • Raleigh • Wake Forest
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