If you are a minor (under age 18) in Vermont, you can apply for two types of court orders to protect you from abuse, stalking and sexual assault. The two types of orders are:
- Relief from Abuse Order
- Order Against Stalking and Sexual Assault
A Relief from Abuse Order is a protection order that is available to protect you from abuse or stalking by someone you have dated or had a sexual relationship with, or by a family member of someone you have lived with.
An Order Against Stalking or Sexual Assault is available if you need protection against anyone else who has stalked or sexually assaulted you. This could be a friend, acquaintance or stranger. If you qualify for a Relief From Abuse Order, you need to apply for that rather than an Order Against Stalking or Sexual Assault.
Are there age requirements?
- You can apply for a Relief from Abuse Order against a sexual or dating partner at any age.
- You must be 16 or older to apply for a Relief from Abuse Order against a member of your family or household.
- You must be 16 or older to apply for an Order Against Stalking and Sexual Assault.
Who else can ask for an order?
Parents, guardians or “next friends” may apply for protection orders on behalf of minors. Next friends are other adults you trust.
What forms do I use?
If you are asking for a Relief from Abuse Order for yourself, you can use this Complaint form and this Affidavit form.
If you are an adult filing on behalf of a child, you need to use this Complaint for Relief from Abuse on Behalf of a Minor Child form and this Affidavit form.
If you are asking for an Order Against Stalking and Sexual Assault, you can use this Complaint form and this Affidavit form.
More information
- If you are a teen who needs help because of dating violence or sexual violence, read this booklet. It’s about protection orders for people who are under 18 years old.
- This handout from Vermont Network gives you quick information about protection orders for minors.
