If someone does not feel safe with their partner—if someone has received threats or is the victim of domestic violence—then he or she may seek an order of protection. A lawyer makes a request to the court that, effective upon the judge’s signature, may order that someone stay away from another person physically. The order of protection may also stipulate that the two parties cannot communicate by any means, including phone calls and text messages and electronic means. If one party breaks the order of protection, then the police may become involved in order to enforce the order and ensure everyone’s safety.