Chapter 5 - The first protection order
I sought a civil protection order against Judith.
Not Graham.
The stair push was against me.
Prior incidents raised risk.
Temporary order granted after emergency hearing.
Terms:
No contact.
No entering our residence while I occupied it.
No approaching my workplace.
No third-party harassment.
No destroying evidence.
Then the house.
I was not living there.
Could Judith enter because Graham lived there?
Temporary order restricted her from my residence, but if I was not there? Orders vary. Our lawyers worked out clear temporary condition:
Judith no entry to marital residence regardless while order pending.
Graham agreed.
He moved back.
I stayed with Leah.
Why not make Graham leave?
I considered.
Dana said:
“You can request temporary exclusive use. But you also said you don’t feel physically threatened by him.”
“I don’t.”
“Then decide based on practical need, not punishment.”
I hated reasonable attorneys.
I stayed with Leah temporarily.
Then Judith’s lawyer opposed permanent order.
She claimed:
Stair incident was accidental.
I had lost balance.
Her comment:
“That’s the price for my son taking your side!”
Did Graham hear?
No.
Audio?
No.
My testimony.
Could be disputed.
Then the medical scans.
They showed prior injuries.
Not who caused.
Judith argued:
“I never hurt Nora before.”
Then my own uncertainty hurt me.
Bathroom:
I was not sure.
Garage:
Not sure.
Pantry:
Could have been careless.
This was why abusers—if that was what Judith was—benefit from ambiguity.
One undeniable act often arrives after many deniable ones.
May you like
Then permanent order hearing set.
No instant ban forever.
