Understanding Protective Orders: Differences Between VASPA and PDVA Explained

Did you know you can obtain a protective order against someone under the Victim’s Assistance and Survivor Protection Act (VASPA) even if you don’t qualify for one as a victim of domestic violence under the Prevention of Domestic Violence Act (PDVA)? How Are the PDVA and the VASPA Different? 1. Effective January 1, 2024, the VASPA provides that “a victim of nonconsensual sexual contact, sexual penetration, or lewdness, or any attempt at such conduct, or stalking or cyber-harassment” may apply for a Temporary Protective Order (TPO) against the perpetrator. 2. Under the PDVA, domestic violence can be harassment, assault, terroristic threats, criminal mischief,...