What type of violence can protective orders address, aside from family violence?

Protective orders are legal tools designed to provide safety and prevent further harm to individuals who are victims of violence or harassment. While they are often associated with family violence, they can also effectively address sexual assault and stalking. When a protective order is issued in cases of sexual assault, it can prohibit the perpetrator from contacting or coming near the victim, providing a crucial layer of security for the survivor. Similarly, in instances of stalking, protective orders serve to legally restrain the stalker’s actions, helping to ensure the victim's safety and peace of mind.

It is important to recognize that the other options -- workplace harassment, discrimination claims, and traffic offenses -- typically fall within different legal frameworks that may not utilize protective orders in the same manner. Workplace harassment may be addressed through employment policies or legal actions but does not typically involve protective orders. Discrimination claims are processes tied to civil rights laws, while traffic offenses are related to violations of transportation law, none of which parallel the immediate personal safety focus of protective orders in the context of sexual assault and stalking.