RICHMOND, Va. (AP) - Since Virginia expanded its law to allow more people to seek protective orders against those they say are threatening them, the number of such orders has soared.
General district courts granted 2,015 full protective orders and 4,941 emergency protective orders in the first six months after the law took effect July 1. That's compared to 141 full orders and 272 emergency orders during the same period in 2010, according to the Richmond Times-Dispatch (http://bit.ly/xdaF7O ).
The previous law covered those who are stalked, threatened or have suffered serious injuries as well as those involved in family abuse involving current or ex-spouses, relatives or their child's other parent.
Virginia legislators expanded it to include any forceful or threatening behavior, opening it to just about anyone who alleges abuse or violent threats.
Information from: Richmond Times-Dispatch, http://www.timesdispatch.com
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