Portland, OR asked in Domestic Violence for Oregon

Q: Can a victim get in trouble for violating a no contact order before trial if the perpetrator initiated contact first?

After an incident where I was driving with my boyfriend and he took control of the steering wheel, swerved the car, hit the dashboard and damaged the interior, and was arrested with a no contact order in place (at least until the trial), he then contacted me and I responded and we’ve spent time together since. There was also another incident later after the first where he broke my windshield with his fists from the inside of the car which I’d like to report but I’m concerned about the fact that I did have contact with him and if that is going to mean any repercussions for me.

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1 Lawyer Answer
Gregory L Abbott
Gregory L Abbott
Answered
  • Portland, OR
  • Licensed in Oregon

A: The no contact order is apparently against him - not you. So no, you are not subject to being penalized for having contact with him though if you do, you are subjecting him to immediate arrest if he is caught in contact with you. If you have contact with him, his obligation is to immediately terminate it and/or leave. All this said, he obviously has anger control issues - normal people do not punch out windshields - and you are seriously at risk if you keep in contact (sooner or later, you are likely to be substituted for the windshield). Get support and counseling to improve your life and get over him - this is unhealthy for you and likely dangerous besides.

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