Supreme Court Clarifies Restraining Order Obligations: Accidental Encounters Still Count

Supreme Court Upholds Restraining Order, Emphasizing Active Avoidance of Victims A recent ruling by the Spanish Supreme Court has clarified the responsibilities of individuals under restraining orders. The case originated in Gijón, Spain, involving a man who was sentenced to six months in prison for violating a 200-meter restraining order against his ex-wife. The court's decision emphasizes that the responsibility to avoid contact lies with the perpetrator, even if the encounter is accidental. "This ruling underscores the importance of actively avoiding any contact with the victim," explains a legal expert. The man's defense claimed he was simply in a public place and did not intend to violate the order, but the court disagreed, stating that the intent is irrelevant; the violation itself is the crime. This decision sets a precedent for similar cases across Spain, highlighting the need for strict adherence to restraining orders to protect victims of domestic violence. The ruling serves as a reminder of the seriousness of domestic violence and the importance of protecting victims.