Protecting Yourself After a Restraining Order is Issued
Staying safe at your residence:
- Change the locks on the doors, replace any weak doors (metal doors are better than wood) and reinforce sliding glass doors by installing a lock or placing a piece of wood in the track.
- Add interior window locks so that windows can't be opened from the outside
- Install a security system or speak to someone at your local hardware store for less expensive alternatives; install motion-sensitive lighting outside your home
- Plan an emergency escape route from all areas of your home, including upstairs, and make sure all family members are aware of the plan.
- Teach children how and when to call 9-1-1. If possible, purchase a cordless telephone and take it with you as you travel to different rooms in your residence
- Teach your children how to make a collect call to you or family members in case they are abducted. Tell your children not to unlock the door if the respondent tries to get into your home
Include family pets or other animals in your safety and escape plans. Animals are often targeted (threatened with harm, cruelly injured, or killed) by a batterer or stalker as a means of controlling, terrorizing or punishing human victims. If it is not safe for you to remain at home, it is likely not safe for your animals, either.
C.A.R.E. (Companion Animal Rescue Effort) is a private, non-profit program to assist victims of domestic violence or stalking with free, temporary safe-housing for their endangered pets. C.A.R.E. provides sheltering and care of the animals, enabling the family to go to safety without having to leave the pets behind. The animals are returned to the victims when the family has a safe place to live with the animals.
For more information about this program, contact us during regular business hours at (954) 321-4239.
Staying safe at work:
- Inform your supervisor of the existence of the restraining order and of any concerns you may have for your safety at your place of employment
- Leave work in the company of at least one other co-worker
- Park in an area that is well lighted and/or where there are other people around
- Alter your route to and from work
Staying safe in the community
- Use different grocery stores and shopping malls; regularly change the hours you shop to avoid detection of a routine.
- Avoid alcohol and/or drugs as they can affect your ability to react quickly and make rational decisions.
- Avoid walking in unlighted or isolated areas
- If you are being followed while driving or riding in a vehicle, proceed to the nearest police station or look for a police officer - do not drive home
- Boating Safety
- Bicycle Safety
- Bullying
- Business Burglary
- Child Abduction
- Child Safety
- Child Car Seat Requirements
- Cold Weather Safety
- Domestic Violence
- Drowning Prevention
- Fighting Fires on the Job
- Hurricane Guide
- Identity Theft
- ICE (In Case of Emergency)
- Internet Safety
- Kids Come First
- Killer Bees
- Operation Medicine Cabinet
- Prescription Drug Prevention
- Preventing Accidental Falls
- Recognizing Gang Activity
- Restraining Orders
- Securing Your Home
- Sexual Assault
- Smoke Alarm Safety
- Street Crime
- Suspicious Packages
- Traveler's Safety
Arrest Search:
View the arrest information and photo of a current incarcerated Broward County inmate.
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Most Wanted
Richardo Arzate
Ht: 5'4"
Wt: 140 lbs. -
Missing Persons
Sharon Scutnik
Ht: 5'04"
Wt: 130 lbs. -
Found & Forgotten
BS81-09-3222
He was a white, Hispanic male with some Asian