Physical & Emotional Abuse Support Group
Abuse is a general term for the treatment of someone that causes some kind of harm (to the abused person, to the abusers themselves, or to someone else) that is unlawful or wrongful. No one deserves abuse, period. Abuse can be emotional, physical, or sexual.
Not too long ago, I had to call the police for the domestic violence disturbance in my neighbor's apt. below me.
This afternoon, a police officer knocked on my door to hand me a peace order. The hearing is on 4/6/2016. My neighbor filed it with false allegations which are the following:
making false police reports against her
taking mail off her door
harassing her
I am considering filing a peace order against her to protect myself against any false allegations that may be made against me such as violating her peace order. But I am afraid to file it because I don't want it to be misconstrued as being spiteful. I tried googling how to defend myself against this but I didn't get good results.
My question is how should I defend myself?
This afternoon, a police officer knocked on my door to hand me a peace order. The hearing is on 4/6/2016. My neighbor filed it with false allegations which are the following:
making false police reports against her
taking mail off her door
harassing her
I am considering filing a peace order against her to protect myself against any false allegations that may be made against me such as violating her peace order. But I am afraid to file it because I don't want it to be misconstrued as being spiteful. I tried googling how to defend myself against this but I didn't get good results.
My question is how should I defend myself?
You can go to the police and try to get a copy of the police report from the call you made. I have no clue if they'll give you a copy or not, I believe that some domestic violence reports are private. But given that you've got a case against you, they may be willing to give you a copy. So when you go down to ask, take your copy of the order against you with you.
That said, unless you said something totally off the wall...like that they had flame throwers or something, then the "false allegations" claim isn't likely to hold up. Calling just because you're concerned...is NOT a crime.
As for you taking mail...again, she's got to prove it. Which is a bit difficult if you haven't done it.
Again harassing her....if she can't show texts and phone calls or mail...by the dozen...she doesn't have a case... We ARE allowed to talk to each other.
The Worst...that will likely happen, is you'll be asked to stay away from her. Which is fine with you...right?
Even if the judge doesn't show it...he or she will probably get that this is retaliation. Give your neighbor enough rope, and chance to talk, and she'll probably hang herself.
***Take with you something to read or do. Long waits are common in courts. It will also take your mind off of what's going on. A notebook is nice too. If nothing else you can doodle.***
Hugs,
You've dealt with worse, you can make it through this,
Patti
It would help to bring a written account with you (in bullet points) of what happened the night you called & what has happened since, including names, dates & times.
You also might want to bring a friend with you to court to keep you company and keep you distracted. It will be extra moral support.
If you haven't already, do a search to see if you can find more info. Try something like "peace order in [your city/state].
Best of luck!!!
I was just nervous because I don't do well in court and I struggle with confidence. Sigh. And I realize I wasn't thinking with a clear head or else I would have been able to answer this question myself. But today I woke up feeling like I could take this on.
I just attended the hearing an hour ago and of course she lied and had no evidence. In addition, the judge allowed me to ask her questions in which I was able to poke holes in her stories. He found that although there is a possibility of harassment on my part since I called the police, he believes I had good intentions for calling the police. He also advised us to try to settle the matters in the future with each other. So of course, the judge dismissed it.
I like the idea of going to the police department to find out more about these people. Although yesterday I saw the boyfriend and he spoke to me and was pleasant, I am still on my guard. And because she lied, I don't feel comfortable with going to her door about anything.