1. Victim and Witness Rights
- Vermont Center for Crime Victim Services (CCVS)
Coordinates compensation, crisis services, and legal advocacy for victims of crime in Vermont. - Vermont Attorney General – Victim Support
Provides information on victims’ rights, assistance in navigating court processes, and referrals to local agencies.
2. Free and Low-Cost Legal Aid Programs
- Vermont Law Help
Statewide portal offering free legal information, forms, and referrals for civil cases including harassment and protective orders. - Legal Services Law Line of Vermont
Provides free legal advice and assistance to low-income individuals on civil legal matters including abuse, stalking, and defamation.
3. Relevant Laws
- Stalking: 13 V.S.A. § 1061
What it means: Repeated behavior that causes fear for personal safety, including following, surveillance, or unwanted contact—online or offline. - Harassment: Covered under stalking and telecommunications laws (e.g., 13 V.S.A. § 1027)
What it means: Intentional actions that cause distress, such as repeated threatening messages or abusive behavior, including by phone or online. - Bullying: No adult criminal statute. Addressed under 16 V.S.A. § 570c (Education Code)
What it means: Vermont law mandates that public schools implement anti-bullying policies, which include prevention, reporting, and response protocols for student safety. - Defamation: Civil tort, not criminal. Based on Vermont common law.
What it means: Libel (written) and slander (spoken) may lead to lawsuits if false statements cause reputational or financial harm. Defamation is not criminalized in Vermont.
4. Reporting and Hotlines
- Call 911 if you are in immediate danger or need emergency help.
- Non-emergency incidents can be reported to your local police department or court.
- Vermont Network Against Domestic and Sexual Violence
Connects victims to shelter, legal advocacy, and safety planning throughout the state. - Statewide Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-228-7395
24/7 confidential assistance for individuals facing domestic violence or harassment in Vermont.
5. Support Organizations
- Vermont Network Against Domestic and Sexual Violence
A statewide coalition offering trauma-informed support, court advocacy, and emergency shelter to survivors. - Steps to End Domestic Violence
Serves Chittenden County with comprehensive services including legal aid, crisis counseling, and transitional housing.
6. Civil Remedies and Protection Orders
Vermont courts offer Relief From Abuse Orders, Stalking Orders, and Sexual Assault Protection Orders. These can restrict contact, digital interaction, and presence near the victim. Legal aid attorneys and court staff can assist with filing and representation.
Important Note on Jurisdiction: If the individual you are seeking a restraining order against lives in a different state, your local court may not have jurisdiction to enforce that order. In most cases, you must file for protection in the state where that individual resides or where the conduct occurred. This applies even in situations involving online harassment, defamation, or stalking. Contact legal aid services in both your state and the other person’s state for guidance.
7. Youth and School Resources
- Vermont Agency of Education – Safe Schools
Provides school guidance on bullying prevention, harassment policies, and reporting tools for students and educators.
8. Court Forms and Filing Help
- Vermont Judiciary – Protection Orders
Access court-approved forms and instructions for protective orders for stalking, harassment, or abuse.
9. Online Safety and Privacy Tools
- NNEDV Tech Safety Toolkit
Offers privacy tools and digital defense strategies for survivors of stalking, cyber abuse, or impersonation.
Disclaimer: This information is provided for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.
