Civil harassment vs domestic violence — which applies to me?
CAnewleaf20261 month ago
It's my neighbor harassing me, not a family member. Different process, right?
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1 reply
✓ Verified answer from a licensed attorney — shown first
Right. DVRO is for current/former spouses, partners, dating relationships, close relatives, co-parents. Civil Harassment Restraining Order (CHRO) is for everyone else — neighbors, coworkers, distant relatives, strangers. CHRO forms are CH-100/CH-110, filed in civil court. The legal standard is higher than DV — you have to show clear and convincing evidence of harassment (a knowing, willful course of conduct that seriously alarms or annoys, with no legitimate purpose). Single incidents usually don't qualify unless they involve credible threats of violence. Bring pattern evidence: dates, photos, video, police reports.
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Other things people in your situation usually need to handle. Some are paid partners; some are free community resources — labeled clearly.
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National DV Hotline
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Please readThis is a community space for sharing personal experience — it is not legal advice, and posts here are not from Lawma or your attorney. We strongly encourage you to post under an anonymous handle, keep questions general, and avoid posting private details of your active case. For advice about your own situation, message your attorney.