If you have ever been concerned for your safety against a spouse or partner in Tennessee, you know a type of fear that is unique and should never be experienced. It is important for you to remember that you are not alone and many other people have experienced domestic violence. The law is available to help you and one of the ways you may seek help is via an order of protection.
According to the Knox County Sheriff’s Office, there are multiple types of orders of protection each with its own level of protection for you and restrictions for your partner. The most robust type of order is referred to as the Chinese wall order of protection. If you obtain one of these orders, your spouse or partner will be legally barred from attempting any form of contact with you. This includes in person, via phone, via text message, via email or even via another person. If you have children together and your children are allowed to see their other parent exchanges are arranged so that you and your partner do not interact with each other.
A no contact order of protection prevents any in-person contact and even bars your partner from driving by your place of work or where you live. Electronic or phone-based communication may be allowed. A social contact order allows contact but prevents any sexual assault, stalking, threatened or actual violence, physical harm to property, kidnapping or making you afraid.
This information is not intended to provide legal advice but is instead meant to help provide an overview of the different types of protection available to Tennessee residents in potentially violent domestic situations.
