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Relief From Abuse

Vermont law provides protection from abuse in families and other close relationships, including in marriage and civil unions. There is special protection offered by Vermont's Abuse Prevention Act.

The court staff has information about how to request a relief from abuse order and how to contact an abuse prevention worker in your community. You can also connect with a local crisis worker through the Vermont Network Against Domestic and Sexual Violence. The crisis worker can arrange to have someone other than an attorney go with you to court, and they can tell you about services available in your area.

 

The VTLawHelp.org website provides a Relief From Abuse Roadmap.

Orders Against Stalking and Sexual Assault

If someone has stalked or sexually assaulted you or your minor child (under the age of 16), you can file a request in the Civil Division of the Superior Court for an order to have them stop.

You can ask for an order against stalking or sexual assault from the civil division only if the other person is not a family member or someone you have ever lived with, and is not someone you have dated.

If the other person is a family member, is someone you have lived with, or is someone you have dated, you must instead file a request for relief from abuse in the Family Division of the Superior Court. See the Relief from Abuse web page for more information about that process. 

Relief from Abuse, Neglect, or Exploitation of a Vulnerable Adult

If you believe a vulnerable adult is being abused, neglected, or exploited, contact Adult Protective Services

You can also request an order against abuse, neglect, and exploitation of a vulnerable adult from the Family Division of the Superior Court. You can find the forms online, or get them from your local court.

Abusive Litigation

Survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking can ask the court for an order to restrict the other party’s ability to file new litigation against them in some circumstances.