Unhappy numbers
There was a significant rise in requests for court temporary protection orders (TPOs) during Hot August Nights this year.
The festival, characterized by substantial alcohol consumption, is regarded by domestic-abuse programs as one of the worst periods of the year. TPOs tell alleged batterers to stay away from TPO applicants.
There were 83 applicants for TPOs during the weekdays of Hot August Nights. The court is closed on weekends, and on the Monday following the weekend, 17 TPO applications were filed.
In 2004, there were 70 weekday TPO applications and 14 on the following Monday.
“Between 40 and 50 is a more normal weekly total,” said TPO office director Barbara Spring.