Safety » Ohio Victim Witness Association

Protect Your Living Space

Double-check all doors and windows in your home to ensure they are locked. Change the locks if there are legitimate concerns about security breaches, such as missing keys. Installing inexpensive security systems can provide an added layer of security, helping you feel safe during this difficult time.

Ensure Your Personal Safety

Your safety is the priority. Here’s how this might look:

Investigate. Take a moment to assess your surroundings and follow any guidance from law enforcement to ensure your safety.
Consider relocation if needed. If you feel unsafe or notice increasing concerns, consider temporarily staying in a secure and undisclosed location—such as with a trusted friend, family member, or at a hotel.
Protect Your Address with the Safe at Home Program
- Discuss your safety concerns with law enforcement, the prosecutor, or your victim advocate, and keep them updated if you have a new address. If you need to relocate permanently due to an ongoing safety threat, you may be eligible to protect your new address from public records through the Ohio Secretary of State’s Safe at Home program.
- For this program to be effective, you must not share your new location with anyone—including social media. The program works best when you have just moved or are about to move to a new, undisclosed location.
- To begin the process, visit the Safe at Home website and connect with a certified Application Assistant who can guide you through enrollment.

Protection Orders

You may be able to request a protection order against the individual posing the threat. Law enforcement, a victim advocate or the prosecutor may be able to provide additional information on requesting protection orders. Some protection orders are issued during a criminal court case, and others can be requested at any time (criminal charges do not have to be pending against the offender).

You can find official forms and information from the Supreme Court of Ohio below, and there may be specific guidance and instructions found on your local county court’s webpage. If you already have legal representation, they can assist with this process.

To learn more about this legal protective measure, visit https://www.ohiolegalhelp.org/topic/protection-orders-ohio.

Ohio Supreme Court Protection Order Information