My question involves restraining orders in the State of: Maryland


My ex boyfriend and I broke up 2 years ago. Since then, hes showed up at my house unexpectedly and uninvited quite frequently, asking for me back. I had always chalked it up to him wanting to be with me again. He moved up to where I live currently and started working at my job to be near me. Then, last week, he tried to have sex with my roommate. I found out, and he showed up at my gated apartment building to talk, belligerent and drunk. I went outside to get him to leave.

When I went out there, he kept egging me on to hit him. I really didn’t want to. He said if I did he would leave me alone, so I punched him. I told him to leave me alone, and he followed me inside. He wouldn’t let me into my apartment for hours, blocking my entrance. I had to run away from him and slam his fingers in my door to get him away from me. Then he broke back in and sat outside of my apartment for hours, calling me and harassing me through the door. He said if I called the cops, he would get me in trouble for assault.

I obtained a peace order a week ago and am going for the final hearing soon. He was ordered to stay away from my work, residence, and school. However, he was allowed by my managers to work the days I was off, clearly violating the peace order. I quit my job because of my managers responses.

I need to know, could he get me into trouble for hitting him? I know it was wrong but I was scared that if I didn't do it he wouldn't leave me alone and would get physical. I also have a witness, voicemails, and texts of him egging me on for proof. There was a voicemail of him telling me to and a text saying "you hit like a bitch, i bet you wont do it again!"

I really need this peace order. What should I do?