Petition: Reform Restraining Order Laws to Prevent Abuse of the System

To the Oregon State Legislature and Governor,

Restraining orders are essential legal tools designed to protect individuals from harm. However, the current laws in Oregon have unintended loopholes that enable their misuse, causing devastating harm to innocent individuals. We, the undersigned, call on you to enact reforms that ensure restraining orders are granted based on verifiable evidence and that respondents have timely opportunities to contest false claims.

The Problem:

1. Temporary restraining orders can currently be issued without requiring corroborating evidence, allowing individuals to file false claims with little oversight.
2. Respondents are forced to wait three or more weeks before they can challenge these orders, during which significant harm—such as eviction, loss of property, or reputational damage—often occurs.
3. Petitioners who file false claims face no accountability, encouraging the abuse of this legal system, despite the laws already written, which are not enforced.

The Solution: We propose the following reforms to restraining order laws in Oregon:

1. Evidence-Based Verification: Require petitioners to provide corroborating evidence, such as police reports or witness statements, when filing for a restraining order.
2. Expedited Hearings for Respondents: Reduce the wait time for respondents to contest a restraining order immediately but no more than five business days.
3. Penalties for False Claims: Enforce strict penalties for individuals who knowingly file false claims, including fines, restitution, and potential criminal charges.
4. Proof of Co-Habitation for Evictions: Require substantial evidence of cohabitation or abuse before displacing a respondent from their primary residence.
5. Statewide Monitoring System: Establish a system to track restraining orders and identify patterns of misuse to ensure accountability.

Why This Matters: The current system allows innocent individuals to be victimized by fraudulent claims, causing emotional, financial, and reputational harm. These reforms will:

• Protect those genuinely in need of restraining orders.
• Prevent malicious actors from exploiting the system.
• Ensure fairness and accountability for all parties involved.

Call to Action: We urge Oregon lawmakers to take immediate action to reform restraining order laws. By signing this petition, we demand a system that protects legitimate victims while safeguarding innocent individuals from unwarranted harm.

Signatures: Click here to go to sign

https://www.change.org/StoptheAbuseOR