No Contact Orders

No-Contact Orders & Victim Notification Rights

Victim Advocacy • Information only — not legal advice

Understanding No-Contact Orders and How to Stay Informed

Overview: A no-contact order is a legal directive that prohibits an offender from communicating with or approaching a victim. It is meant to ensure safety and prevent harassment, intimidation, or further harm. If you receive unwanted contact, do not respond. Document what happened and report it to law enforcement or the supervising agency. Your safety is the first priority.

What Counts as “Contact”

• Phone calls, texts, emails, or direct messages.
• Social media tags, comments, or mentions.
• Messages sent through friends, family, or third parties.
• Appearing near your home, work, or school.
• Leaving gifts, letters, or “accidental” encounters.

Note: Several types of orders may overlap. Even if one expires, another may still remain active, such as a civil injunction or probation condition.

Types of No-Contact Orders

• Pretrial or Bond Condition: Set by a judge while the case is pending.
• Probation or Community Control: Enforced by the Florida Department of Corrections; violations can result in court action.
• Civil Protection Injunction: Filed in civil court and may exist independently of a criminal case.

What To Do If Contact Occurs

1. Prioritize safety: Leave the area or call 911 if you feel unsafe.
2. Do not respond: Avoid replying or engaging in any communication.
3. Document: Keep screenshots, call logs, or recordings with visible timestamps.
4. Report: Contact law enforcement or the offender’s probation officer immediately.
5. Follow up: Request a case or report number for your records.

Stay Informed: Verified Notification Systems

Victims can receive updates about custody, transfers, or release through official systems only:

• VINElink: The nationwide victim notification service. Register for alerts via phone, text, or email using an offender’s name or ID.
• Florida Department of Corrections (DOC): Offers verified information about supervision, probation violations, and early termination requests.
• County Clerk of Court: Most Florida counties provide online access to case updates, motions, and hearing dates.

Update Your Info: If your phone number or email changes, update your registration with VINElink or DOC Victim Services to keep receiving alerts.

Who Can Help

• Probation/Parole Officer: Monitors compliance and reports violations.
• Law Enforcement: Responds to active threats or contact attempts.
• Victim Advocate (Prosecutor’s Office): Offers updates, courtroom guidance, and safety planning.
• Clerk of Court: Provides official record access and status confirmation.

24/7 Crisis Support
911 (emergencies) • 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline • National Domestic Violence Hotline 1-800-799-SAFE • RAINN (sexual assault) 1-800-656-HOPE

This guide is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. For official notifications, use VINElink or the Florida DOC Offender Search. Contact OACRA at contact@oacra.app.