Thank you all for your kind posts and words. When I showed up to court, the local Rape and Domestic Violence Center actually brought a lawyer for me at no cost. He was a wonderful lawyer and the advocate from the center was extremely helpful. The order of protection was issued. My ex acted like a child - he cussed in court and denied everything. He even tried to say I made everything up and told him that. Luckily, the judge saw through the BS and both the picture of my bruises and the fact that he had assaulted a police officer was enough evidence against him. I am so relieved that this happened this way, but I am certainly not letting my guard down.