Genesis House has four Legal Advocates who work in the shelter and the Lorain County Court systems to assist victims of domestic violence. Advocates explain the legal system and their legal rights as well as accompany the client to court during their case or to get protection orders.

If you're getting a civil protection order...

You will need to bring with you:

1. Your batterer's social security number and current address.

2. The criminal case number from any criminal charges against your batterer where you have been the victim.

You can expect the following:

• You will first fill out the forms requesting a CPO.
• You can then expect to have a long wait before you go in front of the judge so allow yourself all morning or all afternoon to get this taken care of.
• You will then be called in the courtroom to explain to the judge why you feel you need this order of protection.
• If the protection order is granted, you will get a certified copy of the order to take with you that day. I recommend you make several copies and give a copy to:
  Your place of employment
  Your landlord
  Your childcare worker
  Your close relatives who you or your children may visit frequently
  Anybody else who you feel should be aware that this order exists.
• You will also then get the date of the hearing. You are required to be at that hearing. You may also want to bring with you any one who was a witness to the abuse and any verification you have that could prove domestic violence existed (like police reports etc.)
• You should also know that your batterer will be asked to attend the review hearing, so be prepared.