Who is prohibited from entering or remaining on the grounds of a domestic violence shelter?

Individuals who have orders of protection related to domestic violence are generally prohibited from entering or remaining on the grounds of a domestic violence shelter due to the potential risk they pose to the safety of the residents. Domestic violence shelters are designed to provide a safe haven for survivors of abuse, and allowing individuals with court-issued orders of protection against them could compromise the security and well-being of those who are seeking refuge.

Such orders are legal instruments that specifically aim to prevent contact between the individual and the survivor, which underscores the importance of enforcing these restrictions within the shelter environment. By keeping individuals with such orders out, shelters maintain a safer space for those in need of protection from their abuser.

In contrast, while a history of drug abuse, being charged with theft, or failing a background check might raise concerns, they do not carry the same inherent risk to the safety of domestic violence survivors as the presence of someone with an active order of protection. Therefore, the prohibition of individuals with these orders is a critical policy in domestic violence shelters aimed at ensuring the safety and peace of mind for all residents.