increasing your safety - battered women's justic …...order of protection when you arrive in...

Increasing Your Safety: Full Faith and Credit for Protection Orders

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About this Guidedo you have a protection order or are you thinking aboutapplying for one? And,• Are you moving to a different community?• Doyouworkandliveindifferentlocations?• Areyougoingtoschooloutofstateorofftriballand?• Areyouplanningavacationorextendedtravel?• Doyoushopinanotherstateoroffthemilitaryinstallation?• Areyougoingtoaneventoutsidethecommunitywhereyoureside?

if you answer “yes” to any of the above questions, then this guide is for you. This guide is for you, orsomeoneyouknowwhohas,orplanstoseek,aprotectionorderandmaytravelacrosscounty,state,territorial,tribal,orinternationallines,ontomilitaryinstallations,orwithinU.S.maritimejurisdictions.Thisinformationisintendedtohelpyouunderstandthefull

faithandcreditprovisionoftheViolenceAgainstWomenAct(VAWA),18U.S.C.§2265(2006),byexplainingthefederallawandofferingideasabouthowtogethelpifyouhaveproblemswiththeenforcementofyourprotectionorder.

What is a protection order?Under VAWA, a “protection order” is defined as “. . . any injunction,restrainingorder,oranyotherorderissuedbyacivilorcriminalcourtforthepurposeofpreventingviolentorthreateningactsorharassmentagainst,sexualviolence,orcontactorcommunicationwithorphysicalproximityto,anotherperson....”Thisexpansivedefinitionalsoincludes“anysupport,childcustodyorvisitationprovisions,orders,remediesorreliefissuedaspartofanyprotectionorder,restrainingorderorinjunction.”18U.S.C.§2266(5).

What is full faith and credit?The full faith and credit provision of VAWA, 18 U.S.C. § 2265, states thatavalidprotectionorderissuedinonestate,tribe,orterritorymustbe

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enforced throughout the country. That means ifyouobtainavalidprotectionorderinyourstate,itisenforceableinyourstateaswellasinanyotherjurisdictionyoumaytraveltointheUnitedStates.Thisincludesprotectionordersissuedbyjudicialofficersinall50states,triballands,theDistrictofColumbia,theCommonwealthofPuertoRico,theU.S.VirginIslands,AmericanSamoa,theNorthernMarianaIslands,andGuam.

how do i know if my protection order is valid?Any protection order that is issued by a state, tribe, territory, or the DistrictofColumbiaisvalidandentitledtofullfaithandcreditif:• Theissuingcourthadauthorityoverthesurvivorandtheabuser(i.e.personaljurisdiction),andhadtheauthoritytohearthecase(i.e.subjectmatterjurisdiction);and

• Theabuserwasgivennoticeoftheorder,thedateofthehearing,therighttoappear,andtheopportunitytobeheardshouldtheabuserwishtooffertestimonyinoppositiontotheentryofafinalorder.

A valid protection order issued in one state, tribe, or territory must be enforced throughout the country.

Names for Protection orders Orders issued to prevent domestic violence, sexual assault, datingviolence,orstalkingmaybecalledmanythings,including:• Stayawayorder;• Nocontactorder;• Restrainingorder;• Harassmentorder;• Protectionfromabuseorder;• Stalkingprotectionorder;• Injunctionforprotection;or• Emergency,temporary,orexparteorder.

Adivorceordissolutionagreementmayincludeprotectiveprovisions.Bail,probation,orparoleconditionsmayincludeprovisionsnottoabuse,harass,orcontact.Theseprovisionsandconditionsarealsoconsideredprotectionorders. Theseordersmaybeonaformorhandwritten.Theymaybeissuedorallybyajudgeorjudicialofficial.Ordersalsovaryinlengthandcontent.

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If you have a temporary, emergency, or ex parte order, it is also entitled tofullfaithandcreditifitmeetscertainrequirements.Seepage14ofthisguideformoreinformation.

be PreparedThe legal process can be very confusing and complicated. A domesticviolenceadvocatecanhelpyouunderstandthelegalprocessandprovideyouwithinformationaboutwhattoexpectandhowtoprepareifyouchoosetoseekassistancefromthecourt.Advocatescanalsohelpyouwithasafetyplantailoredtoprotectyouandyourfamily.Lookforanadvocatewhoworksforadomesticviolence,sexualassault,datingviolence,orstalkingprogram.YoumayalsocalltheNationalDomesticViolenceHotlineat800-799-SAFE(7233);TTY:800-787-3224. Forassistancewithprotectionorderissuesortheenforcementofyourprotectionorder,pleasecalltheNationalCenteronProtectionOrdersandFullFaith&Credit(NCPOFFC)at800-903-0111,prompt2,orvisitwww.fullfaithandcredit.org.NCPOFFCstaffcanalsoassistyouwithfindingadvocacyserviceswhereyouarecurrentlyresiding,orinanyareawhereyouplantorelocate.

Practical tips for implementation of Your Protection order• Review your protection order to make sure that it contains the reliefthatthejudgegranted.Ifsomethingismissingorincorrect,bringittotheattentionofthecourtbeforeleavingorhavingcopiesmade.

• Getcertifiedcopiesofyourprotectionorderandcarryatleastonecopywithyouatalltimes.Thecourtmustprovidefreecopies.

• Providecopiesoftheprotectionordertoanylawenforcementagencythatyoumayasktoenforceyourprotectionorder,toyouremployer,friendsandrelatives,toyourchild’sschoolordaycarefacility,andtootherpeopleasappropriate.

• Obtaininformation(writtenororal)regardingwhethertheorderhasbeenservedontheabuser.Thisinformationmaybeprovidedbylawenforcement,theagencythatservedtheorder,orthecourtthatissuedtheorder.

• Keeptrackofalltheabuser’sviolationsoftheorder.Itisimportanttodocumentallcontactthattheabuserinitiateswithyou.Thisincludesphonecalls,messagessentthroughotherpeople,visitstohomeorwork,ande-mailortextmessages.Keepingtrackofviolationswillhelplawenforcementtakestepstoprotectyou.Thisrecordoftheabuser’sbehaviormaybeusedtoprovideevidenceoftheabuser’sconductinfuturelegalproceedings.

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• Discuss with an advocate the procedures you may have to follow to getyourprotectionorderenforcedinyourcommunity.Ifyoumovetoanothercommunity,findoutitsproceduresforenforcingprotectionorders.Thisisimportantbecauseproceduresforenforcementvary.

• Understandtheprosandconsoffilingorregisteringyourorderinanotherjurisdiction.Filingorregistrationmayenhanceenforcementbutmayalsorevealyourpresenceinthatjurisdiction.

• Makesafetyplansandroutinelyupdatethemtoincludechangesastheyoccurinyourlife.

• Contactthelocaldomesticviolenceprograminanycommunitywhereyoumayliveshort-orlong-term.

• Gotoashelter,ifnecessary.• Contactalegalservicesofficeinyourareaforhelpwithlegalmatters.

enforcement of Your Protection orderUnder the full faith and credit provision, law enforcement officers,prosecutors,andthecourtsarerequiredtoenforceallprotectionorders,whetherissuedintheirjurisdictionorinanotherstate,tribe,orterritory.Thatmeansifpoliceareauthorizedtoarrestsomeoneforviolationofalocalorder,theymayalsoarrestforviolationofanon-localorder.Iflawenforcementhaswarrantlessarrestauthorityintheenforcinglocation,

theyshouldarrestforallviolationstheyobserveorbelieveoccurredthere.Iftheabuserhasleftthesceneoftheviolation,lawenforcementmayseekawarrantandarresttheabuserwhentheabuserislocated.Theprovisionalsomeansprosecutorsmaychargethecrimeofviolationofprotectionorderandanyotherillegalconductthatoccurredintheirjurisdiction.

Judgeswillhearthecaseaccordingtothelawswheretheviolationoccurred. Itwillbeeasiertoenforceyourprotectionorderiftheinformationontheorderisclearandisknownbyyou.Thisinformationincludes:• Thenameofeachpartyclearlyidentified.Thismeansyourname,theabuser’sname,andtheotherpartieswhoarecoveredbytheprotectionorder.

• Thedatetheorderwasissued.

Law enforcement officers, prosecutors, and the courts are required to enforce all protection orders, whether issued in their jurisdiction or in another state, tribe, or territory.

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• The date the order expires, if your order has an expiration date.• Thenameofthejudicialofficerwhosignedtheorder.• Thesignatureofthejudgeorjudicialofficerwhograntedtheorder.• Thetermsandconditionsoftheorderthatlimitormandatecertainconductoftheabuser.

• Thelocationandphonenumberoftheissuingcourt.Itisalsohelpfultoknowthedateofbirth,SocialSecuritynumber,motorvehicleregistration,ordriver’slicensenumberofyourabuser.Additionalinformationthatcanaidinserviceorenforcementofyourprotectionorderincludes:• Yourabuser’shomeandworkaddresses;• Adescriptionofyourabuser,includingtattoosandotherdistinctivefeatures;and

• Adescriptionofyourabuser’scarandlicenseplatenumber.Althoughtheinformationisnotrequiredforenforcementunderfederallaw,knowledgeoftheabovemayhelpintheserviceorenforcementofyourprotectionorder.

Practical tips for dealing with Law enforcementIt will help law enforcement if you:• Keepacopyofyourprotectionorderwithyouatalltimestoshowlawenforcementwhenyoureportviolations.

• Provideinformationregardingwhetheryourorderwasservedoryourabuserhadnoticeoftheorder.

• Keepapictureoradescriptionoftheabuserhandyandbereadytoprovidepersonalinformationaboutyourabuser,suchasSocialSecuritynumber,driver’slicensenumber,anddateofbirth.

• Ifyoumove,itisimportanttodiscusstheprotocolinthenewlocationwithlocallawenforcementandadvocatesfamiliarwiththelocalprotectionorderenforcementprocess.

Practical tips for dealing with Prosecutors and CourtsYour state, tribal, or local prosecutor should know how to pursue chargesforviolationofanorderofprotectionissuedinanotherjudicialdistrict.However,ifprosecutorsdonotknowaboutfullfaithandcredit,itwillbehelpfulifyou:• Providetheprosecutorandthecourtwithacertifiedcopyofyourprotectionorder.

• Keepacopyofthisguidewithyouwhenyoumeetwithprosecutorsandwhenyouappearbeforeajudgeatahearing.

• Bringanadvocatewhoworksforadomesticviolence,stalking,sexualassault,ordatingviolenceprogramwithyouforsupportandassistancewhendealingwithprosecutorsandthecourts.

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other imPortANt AreAs of CoNsiderAtioN

relocating to a New JurisdictionYou may choose to move to a new location for many different reasons.Itisimportanttoconsiderwhetheritisnecessaryorpreferredtogetaprotectionorderpriortomovingtothenewlocation.Somestateshavelawsthatwillallowyoutofleeviolenceandpetitiontheircourtsforanorderofprotectionwhenyouarriveinthenewlocation.Otherstatesdonothavethistypeofstatute,meaningyouneedtogetaprotectionorderwheretheviolenceoccurred,beforemoving.Somestateshavelawsthatlimityourabilitytomovewithchildrenunlessyounotifyorhavetheconsentoftheotherparent.Itisimportanttoactwithinthelawsoyouractionswillnotbeusedagainstyouinfuturecourtproceedings.Ifyouplantorelocatewithyourchild,speakwithanadvocateorattorneytodiscusscustodyandvisitationissues.

it is especially important to consider these factors before relocating if you have children:• Does your protection order have a custody or visitation provision?• Areyourchildrenlistedasprotectedpartiesontheprotectionorder?• Doyouhaveanyfamilycourtordersregardingcustodyorvisitation?• Isyourmovepermanentortemporary?• Willyouneedtoobtainapassportorvisaforyourselforyourchildren?

international moves or Leaving the united statesYou should seek legal advice before you leave the country. If you plan tomovetoanothercountry,orplantoleavetheUnitedStatesforvacation,yourprotectionorderwillprobablynotbeenforceableintheothercountry.Fullfaithandcreditmeansthatprotectionordersarehonoredaslongasyouareinoneofthe50states,ontriballand,inU.S.territories,orwithinU.S.maritimejurisdictions.Internationalchildcustodylawsarequitedifferentfromstate,tribal,orterritorialcustodystatutes.ThelegalrelationshipsofothercountrieswiththeUnitedStatescanbequitecomplex.LegalissuesmayneedtobeaddressedbeforeyouleavetheUnitedStates.Itisextremelyimportanttotalktoanattorneyoradvocatewellversedininternationallawtoprotectyourinterests.Itisalsoimportanttoadjustyoursafetyplantofactorininternationaltravel.

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immigration or Citizenship issuesIf you are not currently a citizen of the United States or lawfully within thecountry,youarestillallowedtoaccesscivilcourtstopetitionforprotectiverelief.Everyabusedperson,regardlessofcitizenship,isentitledtoapplyforaprotectionorder.Non-citizensshouldconsultanattorneyknowledgeableinimmigrationlawbeforeseekingaprotectionorderfromthecourts.Legalissuesrelatedtoimmigrationstatusmayariseduringissuanceorenforcement.Note:Whileitisnotnecessary,itmaybehelpfultofileanimmigrationapplicationbeforeoratthesametimeasseekingaprotectionorder.

ConfidentialityThere are many organizations available to help you navigate your situation.Youwillbeaskedtodiscussyoursituationwithmanydifferentpeople,andattimesyoumayprovidepersonalinformation.Someofthepeoplewithwhomyouspeakarerequiredbylawtokeepcommunicationsbetweenthetwoofyouconfidential.Thisiscalledacommunicationprivilege.Communicationswithyourattorneyareconfidential.Yourattorneywillnotdiscloseinformationthatyouprovidewithoutyouragreement.Advocatesworkingforcommunity-baseddomesticviolenceorsexualassaultorganizationsusuallyareboundtoconfidentialityunlessyouwaivetheprivilegeinwriting.Communicationswithhealthworkersaregenerallyconfidential,butacourtmayrequirethatsomeofyourmedicalrecordsandcommunicationswithhealthcareprovidersbedisclosedincourt. Otherdiscussionsmaynotbeconfidential.Informationprovidedindiscussionswithgovernment-basedprofessionalsmayberelayedtootherpeopleandmaynotremainprivate.Ifapersonisemployedbyagovernmentagency(suchasavictimspecialistinalawenforcementagency,prosecutors,avictim/witnesscoordinatorinaprosecutor’soffice,oracourtclerk),yourcommunicationswiththemwill not beconfidential.Beforedisclosinganyinformation,ifyouareuncertainwhethercommunicationswillremainconfidential,feelfreetoaskprofessionalswithwhomyouarespeakingwhetheryourcommunicationsareconfidentialandwhethertheywilldiligentlyprotectyourinformationfromdisclosure.

internet ProhibitionWith the increased use of technology to share information among lawenforcementagenciesandthecourts,itiscommonforjurisdictionstoplaceinformationregardingcivilandcriminalcases,includingprotection

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orders, in secure governmental databases or on websites to allow for easyaccesstocaseinformation.VAWAlimitsthepersonalinformationthatcanbepubliclypostedontheInternet.Itspecificallyprohibitsinformation“regardingtheregistration,filingofapetitionfor,orissuanceofaprotectionorder,restrainingorder,orinjunctionineithertheissuingorenforcing”jurisdiction,ifsuchinformation“wouldbelikelytopubliclyrevealtheidentityorlocationofthepartyprotectedundersuchorder.”18U.S.C.§2265(d).Manystatelawsandproceduresprohibitthedisclosureofthefactthatyouhaveobtainedaprotectionorderfrombeingpostedonpublicwebsites.Talktoanadvocateaboutlawsinyourjurisdiction.

Custody issuesIn many jurisdictions, you can ask for child custody, visitation, or supportaspartofthereliefawardedinyourprotectionorder.Custody,visitation,andsupportprovisionsinprotectionordersareentitledtofullfaithandcredit,andenforceableinotherlocations.Thismeansacustodyaward,includingvisitationandsupportprovisions,thatispartofyourprotectionordermustbeenforcedelsewhereasifyourorderwasissuedinthatotherstate,tribe,orterritory.

Ifaviolationdoesoccur,enforcementactionmaybetakenbylawenforcementorthroughthecivilcourtsystem.Lawenforcementofficersmaybeabletoassistyoubytreatingyourorderasifitwereissuedintheirjurisdiction.Dependingonthelawsandpoliciesofthat

jurisdiction,officersmaybeallowedtopickupchildren,orevenarrestforviolationofthecustodyprovisioninyourprotectionorder.Anadvocatewillbeabletogiveyouinformationregardingthelawenforcementresponseinthejurisdiction. Youmayalsoaskthecivilcourtsystemtoenforceyourprotectionorder.Todoso,filepaperswiththelocalcourtdescribinghowthecustodyprovisionoftheprotectionorderhasbeenviolated.Thecourtwillmakeadeterminationbasedonyourrequestthatmayincludeimposingfinesorotherpenalties,orcompellingtheviolatortocomplywiththeorder.Keepinmindthatyoumayneedacivilattorneytoassistyouinbringingthiscasetothecourts,especiallyifyouareseekingenforcementofthecustodyprovisioninajurisdictionotherthantheonethatissuedtheprotectionorder.

Custody provisions in protection orders are entitled to full faith and credit, and are enforceable in other locations.

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restriCtioNs oN fireArm use ANd PossessioN

Who is not allowed to have firearms?The Gun Control Act, 18 U.S.C. § 922(g), (n), prohibits possession,purchase,transportation,orshipmentoffirearmsandammunitionbythefollowing:• Thoseconvictedofafelony;• Fugitivesfromjustice;• Unlawfulusersof,orthoseaddictedto,illegaldrugs;• Peoplewhoacourthasfoundtobementallyillorwhohavebeencommittedtoamentalinstitution;

• Undocumentedimmigrants,refugeeswhohaveoverstayedtheirlengthofstay,orthoseadmittedintotheUnitedStatesunderanon-immigrantvisa,unlessthenon-immigrantmeetscertainexceptionstotheGunControlAct;

• PeopledishonorablydischargedfromtheArmedForces;• PeoplewhohaverenouncedtheirU.S.citizenship;• Individualssubjecttoaqualifyingprotectionorder;• Thoseconvictedofaqualifyingmisdemeanorcrimeofdomesticviolence;and

• Peopleunderindictmentforacrimepunishablebyincarcerationformorethanoneyear.

Protection orders and military installationsThere are some differences between military and civilian protectionorders.Militaryprotectionordersareenforceableonlyonthebasewheretheyareissued.Theseordersdonotmeetthedueprocessrequirementsforfullfaithandcreditbecausetheabuserisnotgivennoticeandtheopportunitytobeheard.Sincemilitaryprotectionorderscannotbeenforcedofftheinstallation,youmaywanttoconsideralsogettingacivilprotectionorderinajudicialdistrictnearthemilitaryinstallation.Ifyouliveoffbase,gooffbaseregularly,aremovingoffbase,orarerelocatingtoanewbase,acivilprotectionorderissuedbyaciviliancourtcanofferyouprotectioninthenewlocation.Civilianprotectionordersmustbeenforcedonbase.Manyabusedindividualshavebothamilitaryprotectionorderandacivilianprotectionorder. Ifyouarethinkingaboutgettingamilitaryprotectionorder,thereareafewthingsyoushouldconsider.Rememberthatreportingincidentsofabusetomilitarypersonnel,otherthanclergy,isnottypicallyconfidential.Anythingyousaytomilitarypersonnelregardingviolenceorabusetoyourselforyourchildrenmustbereportedtocommandstaff.Ifyouneedtotellsomeonesomethingconfidential,askthepersonifyourconversationisprotectedbyconfidentialityrequirements.

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Persons against whomprotectionordershavebeengrantedmaybeprohibitedfrompurchasing,possessing,orusingfirearmsorammunitionbyfederal,state,tribal,orterritoriallawforthedurationoftheprotectionorder.Thefederalgunlawrequires(asdomanystate,territorial,andtriballaws)that

tribal Protection orders, tribal Law enforcement,and tribal Courts

I have a tribal court protection order, but I am leaving tribal lands to live, work, or visit somewhere else. Is my protection order valid?StateandterritoriallawenforcementandcourtsaremandatedunderthefullfaithandcreditprovisionofVAWAtofullyenforceprotectionordersissuedbytribalcourts.Enforcementmaybebycivillaworcriminalprosecution,orboth.YourprotectionorderfromatribalcourtisrequiredtoreceivethesamekindofresponseoutsideIndianCountryasitiswouldbeinsideIndianCountry.Othertribesarealsorequiredtoenforceyourorder.

I have a state protection order, but I am moving to, living on, or visiting an Indian reservation. Is my protection order valid?ThefullfaithandcreditprovisionsofVAWArequiretribalcourtstorecognizeandenforceprotectionordersfromallstates,tribes,andterritories.IfyouhaveastateorterritorialprotectionorderandyouarelivingorstayinginIndianCountry,youshouldknowthatmosttribalcourtshavetheauthoritytoenforceallprotectionordersissuedthroughcivilorcriminalproceedings.Itmaybeadvisabletocheckwithtriballawenforcementtofindoutabouttheirpoliciesforenforcingforeignorders. Thereisonemajorexception:tribalcourtsdonothavetheauthoritytoimposecriminalsanctionsagainstnon-Indians.However,tribalpolicecantakenon-Indianperpetratorsintocustodyandtransportthemtostateorfederalauthorities.Tribalcourtscanexcludenon-Indianviolatorsfromtriballands,usetheircivillawstocompelnon-Indianstocompletetasksrequiredbyprotectionorders,andimposefinesagainstnon-Indianabusers.Ifyouneedadditionalassistancewithatribalprotectionorder,pleaselookintheresourcessectionofthisguideforanappropriatetechnicalassistanceprovider.

Persons against whom protection orders have been granted may be prohibited from purchasing, possessing, or using firearms or ammunition.

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the protection order was entered to safeguard the abuser’s intimate partnerorthechildofeithertheabuserortheabusedperson.Inaddition,underfederallawtheordermustprohibittheabuserfromharassing,stalking,orthreateningtheintimatepartnerorthechildofthepartnerortheabuser,orfromengaginginbehaviorthatputstheintimatepartnerorthechildinreasonablefearofbodilyinjury.18U.S.C.§922(g)(8)(A).Theordermustincludeeitherawrittenfindingthattheabuserpresentsacrediblethreattotheintimatepartner’ssafetyorthatofthechild,orawrittenprohibitionagainsttheuse,attempteduse,orthreatofphysicalforcethatcouldcausephysicalinjury.18U.S.C.§922(g)(8)(B)-(C). Federallawalsorequirestheabusertohaveactualnoticeofthehearingontheorderandtheopportunitytobeheardatthathearing.Iftheabuserdoesnotappearatahearingofwhichtheabuserhadpriornotice,theabusermaystillbefederallyprohibitedfrompossessingafirearmorammunition.

Qualifying relationships are cases where the petitioner is:• Aspouseorformerspouseoftherespondentordefendant;• Apersonwholivesorwhohaslivedwiththerespondentordefendant(i.e.,whoresidesorresidedtogetherinasexualorromanticrelationship);

• Achildoftherespondentordefendant,achildoftheintimatepartner,orachildincommonoftherespondentordefendantandtheintimatepartner(includingwhereparentalrightshavebeenterminated);

• Apersonwithwhomtherespondentordefendanthasorhadachildincommon(regardlessofwhethertheyweremarriedorcohabitated).

A qualifying relationship does not include:• Boyfriendsorgirlfriendswhodonotlivetogetherorhaveneverlivedtogether;

• Elderabuse;• Brotherswhoabusesiblings,uncleswhoabuseniecesandnephews,grandparentswhoabusegrandchildren,etc.;

• Roommates,neighbors,orstrangers.

Note:Theselistsofrelationshipsarenotexhaustiveandareexamplesusedto

illustratethetypesofrelationshipsthatmaytriggerthefederalfirearmprohibition.

See18U.S.C.§921(a)(32)and18U.S.C.§922(g)(8).

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If an abuser who is subject to a protection order is a police officer, inthemilitary,orworksforagovernmentagencythatrequirestheabusertocarryafirearmwhileonduty,thereisanexceptiontothegunprohibitionknownasthe“officialuseexemption.”18U.S.C.§925(a)(1).Thisexemptiononlyappliestoweaponscarriedduringworkinghours.Theseweaponsmustbesurrenderedtothegovernmentagencyattheendoftheworkday.Theabuserisstillprohibitedfromhavingpersonalweaponsforthedurationoftheprotectionorder. Anabuserconvictedofamisdemeanorcrimeofdomesticviolencemaybeprohibitedfrompossessingafirearmbyfederallaw.18U.S.C.§922(g)(9).Theabusermusthavebeenacurrentorformerspouseofthevictim;aparentorguardianofthevictim;haveachildincommonwiththevictim;cohabitateorhavecohabitatedwiththevictimasaspouse,parent,orguardian;orbeapersonsimilarlysituatedtoaspouse,parent,orguardian.Theabusermustbeconvictedunderapartofamisdemeanorstatutethatspecifiesthatthecriminalconductistheuseorattempteduseofphysicalforce,orthreateneduseofadeadlyweapon. Otherfirearmprohibitionsmayalsoapply.Inmanyjurisdictions,abuserswhoaresubjecttoavalidprotectionorder,orwhohavebeenconvictedofamisdemeanor,maybeprohibitedfrompossessing,purchasing,ortransferringfirearmsandammunitionunderstate,tribal,orterritoriallaw.Thelawsmayalsoprohibitindividualsfrompossessingfirearmsiftheyareunderafirearmrestrictioninadifferentjurisdiction.Askyouradvocateaboutlawsthatmayprohibityourabuserfrompossessingorusingafirearm,orcontactNCPOFFCat800-903-0111prompt2,orvisitthewebsiteatwww.fullfaithandcredit.org.

Judicial Notification regardingfederal firearm Prohibitions

Courtsarenowrequiredtonotifyalldomesticviolenceoffendersofthetwofederaldomesticviolence-relatedgunprohibitions.Courtsmustinformalldomesticviolenceoffendersthattheymaybesubjecttofederalfirearmprohibition(s).Thenotificationshouldalsoinformtheabuserofapplicablestate,tribal,orterritoriallawsthatmaylimitpurchaseorpossessionoffirearmsandammunition.Itisimportantthatoffendersareawareoftheseprohibitions.Withthisnotificationbythecourts,eitherinwritingororally,offendersareprovidednoticethattheymaybeatriskoffederalprosecutioniftheypossessfirearmsorammunition,orattempttopurchaseeitherone.

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freQueNtLY Asked QuestioNs

What does it mean for the abuser to receive notice or be served with a protection order?Personalserviceorbeingpersonallyservedmeansthattheabuserwasgivenacopyofthepetitionorpleadingrequestingtheorderandtheprotectionorder.Ifacourthearinghasbeenscheduled,theabuserwillalsobeinformedaboutthehearingdateandtherightsofaccusedpersons.Lawenforcementusually,butnotalways,servespetitionsandorders.Theindividualservingthepetitionandorderontheabusercompletesaproofofserviceandsubmitstheprooftothecourtforentryintothecourtrecords.Noticeisabroaderconceptthatessentiallymeansthattheabuserwastoldaboutorshowntheprotectionorderorotherwiseknewaboutit,orotherwiseknewabouttheorder,itsterm,anditsconditions.

Are emergency or ex parte orders valid and enforceable underfederal law?Ex parte orders are emergency or temporary orders issued at the requestofthevictimwithoutpriornoticetotheabuser.Theyarevalidfromthetimeofissuanceuntilexpiration.Forexample,anex parteorderthatisissuedfor15daysbeforeahearingmustbeheldwouldbevalidinanyothercommunityfor15days.Whethertheorderisenforceablebyarrest,however,willdependonwhethertheabuserhasbeenservedwiththeorderorreceivednoticeoftheorder’sexistence.

Will i be charged a fee to obtain a protection order?Jurisdictions receive certain federal funding that prohibits them fromchargingthepetitionerfeesforfilingapetitionforaprotectionorder,costsrelatedtoissuance,registration,andserviceofprotectionordersrelatedtodomesticviolence,sexualassault,orstalking.All50states,U.S.territories,andsometribesreceivethisfunding.Ifyouarehavingtroublefilingapetitionforaprotectionorder,gettingtheorderserved,orobtainingcopiesofyourorderfreeofcharge,contactyourlocaldomesticviolence,sexualassault,stalking,anddatingviolencepreventionprogramorNCPOFFCforassistance.

What if i have a mutual protection order? Oneorderthatcontainsprohibitionsrestrainingbothyouandtheabuserfromdoingcertainthingsiscalledamutualorder.Mutualprotectionordersaretreateddifferentlyunderthefederalfullfaithandcreditlaw,andcanbehardtoenforce.Theyarestronglydiscouraged.

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If your abuser files for a protection order first, you may want to file acounter-petitionagainsthimorher.Ifthecourtissuesamutualorderatthefinalhearing,requestthatthecourtincludespecificfindingsthatbothyouandtheabuserareentitledtoprotection.Anotheroptionistofileforaseparateprotectionorder.Note:Ifyouarethefirsttofile,aprotectionorderissuedshouldbeenforceableinanyjudicialdistricttoprotectyou,butitisnotenforceableagainstyououtsidetheissuingjurisdictionunlesstheabuserfiledacounter-petitionandthecourtmadespecificfindingsthattheabuserisalsoentitledtoprotection.18U.S.C.§2265(c).Contactanadvocateforinformationabouttheproblemsassociatedwithenforcingmutualprotectionorders.

do i have to register or file my protection order in the new jurisdiction to get it enforced?Federal law requires law enforcement and the courts to enforce yourprotectionorderevenifyouhavenotregisteredorfileditinthenewjurisdiction.Youmaywanttoconsiderregisteringorfilingyourprotectionorderifyourelocate.Listedbelowaresomerisksandbenefitstoregistration.• Registrationorfilingcanhelplawenforcementandcourtstoverifyyourorder’sexistence,aswellasproofofservice,andmayincreasethelikelihoodofenforcement.

Practical tips on service and Notice

Mostpoliceofficerswillnotenforceex parteordersunlesstheycanverifythattheabuserhadnoticeorwasservedwiththeorder.• Keepatleastonecopy(ortwocopiesifyourorderhasnotbeenserved)ofyourprotectionorderwithyouatalltimesandshowittothepolicewhenyoureportaviolation.

• Showthepoliceanyproofyouhavethattheorderwasservedorthattheabuserhadnoticeoftheorder.Youmayobtainaproofofservicefromtheissuingcourtoncetheabuserhasbeenserved.

• Iftheorderhasnotbeenservedontheabuserbeforeyoureportaviolation,ortheofficerisunabletoverifynotice,asktheofficertoservetheorderontheabuserandarresttheabuserforanyothercrimestheabusercommittedintheenforcingjurisdiction.

• Asktheofficertonotifytheissuingjurisdictionthattheprotectionorderwasservedandtoprovidetheissuingjurisdictioninformationonwhetheranarrestwaseffectedforviolationoftheprotectionorderintheenforcingjurisdiction.

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• Althoughfederallawclearlyindicatesthatregistrationisnotrequiredforenforcement,manyjurisdictionsstillhavelawenforcementpracticesthatrequireregistrationorfilingforenforcementtooccur.

• Youoryouradvocatemaywanttoremindcourtorlawenforcementpersonnelwhohandlethefilingorregistrationofyourprotectionorderthatfederallawprohibitsjurisdictionsfromsendingnoticetotheabuser,unlessyourequestnoticetobesent.

• Filingorregistrationmaybeimpossibleorimpracticalinsomecircumstances.Forexample,ifyouhavetotravelagreatdistancetofileyourorder,thecostmaybetoogreat.Ifyourabuserisstalkingyouacrossstateortriballines,youmaywanttokeepyourwhereaboutsconfidential,andregistrationofyourordermayriskdisclosureofyourresidenceinthenewjurisdiction.

Youmaywanttotalktoadomesticviolenceadvocatewhocanexplaintheprocessandhelpyoudecidewhetherfilingorregistrationisagooddecisionforyou.

i am a petitioner in a protection order hearing. Am i able to purchase or possess a firearm?As long as you are not prohibited by state, tribal, territorial, or federal law,youhavetherighttoownandpossessanyfirearmthatislegallypurchasedbyortransferredtoyou.Youarealsolegallyabletopurchaseandpossessammunition.Keepinmindthatpossessionofafirearmdoesnotguaranteeyoursafety,andaweaponobtainedforpersonalprotectionmaybeusedagainstyou.

may i turn in my firearms?You may be able to temporarily store firearms that were legally purchasedortransferredtoyouortheabuserwithyourlocallawenforcementagency.Criminalpenaltiesmayarisefrompossessingillegalfirearms.Somelawenforcementagencieshavecreatedwaiversoncriminalpunishmentwhenillegalgunsaresurrendered.Youmaywanttoinquirewhetheryouareimmunefromprosecutionforsurrenderingillegalfirearmsbeforedecidinghowtoridyourselfofillegalfirearms.Togetdirectionsonhowtoturnoverfirearms(eitherforsurrenderorstorage),youmaywanttoconsultwithyourattorney,advocate,locallawenforcementagency,ortheBureauofAlcohol,Tobacco,FirearmsandExplosives.

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sAfetY PLANNiNG Your safety is most importantSafetyplanningisveryimportantforyouandyourlovedones.Tolearnaboutsafetyplanning,contactyourlocaldomesticviolence,sexualassault,stalking,anddatingviolencepreventionprogramorvisittheirwebsite,wheretheremaybelinkstosafetyplanningguides.Aprotectionorderisonlyonepartofasafetyplanandonetoolthatyoucanusetoescapeviolence.NO ONE THING CAN GUARANTEE YOUR SAFETY AT ALL TIMES.Safetyplanningisanongoingprocess.Partoftheprocessisriskassessment—consideringhow,where,andwhenyourabusermightuseviolenceagainstyouoryourchildren.Anotherpartofthesafetyplanningprocessisfindingallieswhowillhelpyoudevelopplanstoavoidviolenceorwhowillhelpsafeguardyouwhenyourabuserbecomesviolent.IfyouremployerhasanEmployeeAssistanceProgram,youmaywishtospeakwitharepresentativeaboutsecurityattheworkplaceandanyassistancetheprogrammayprovide.Youcanaskforhelpandsupportfromanadvocateatalocaldomesticviolence,sexualassault,stalking,ordatingviolencepreventionprogram.Manytoolsandresourcesareavailabletohelpincreaseyoursafetyandprotectyourchildren.

safety planning can include, but is not limited to the following:• Thinkingofasafeplacetogoifanargumentoccurs.• Makingalistofsafepeopletocontact.• Memorizingimportantphonenumbers.• Establishingacodewordorsignsothatfamily,friends,teachers,orco-workers

knowwhentocallforhelp.• Thinkingaboutwhatyouwilldoorsaytoyourabuserifheorshebecomesviolent.• Changingyourphonenumber.• Screeningcalls.• Savinganddocumentingallcontact,messages,injuries,orotherincidentsinvolving

theabuser.• Changinglocks,iftheabuserhasakey.• Planninghowtogetawayifconfrontedbyanabusivepartner.• Varyingyourroutine.• Notifyingschoolandworkcontactsabouttheabuse,andactionsyouwouldlike

themtotakeiftheabusercomesonsite.• Thinkingaboutwhatyoucandotokeepyourchildrensafe.• Gettingtoknowthelocaldomesticviolence,sexualassault,stalking,anddating

abuserprogramstaffandtheresourcestheyoffer.• Avoidingstayingalone.• Choosingtomeetyourabuseronlyinsafepublicplaces.

If you leave the relationship or are thinking of leaving, you should take important papersanddocumentswithyoutoenableyoutoapplyforbenefitsortakelegalaction.PapersyoushouldtakeincludeSocialSecuritycards,passports,documentsregardingcitizenship,andbirthcertificatesforyouandyourchildren;yourmarriagelicense;leasesordeeds;yourcheckbook,bankstatements,chargecards,andchargeaccountstatements;insurancepolicies;proofofincomeforyouandyourabuser(paystubsorW-2s);picturesofyourabuser;andanydocumentationofpastincidentsofabuse(photos,policereports,medicalrecords,etc.). Safetyplansvaryfrompersontoperson.Youaretheexpertonyourabuser’sbehavior,useofviolence,andwhatyouneedtobesafe.Choosethetoolsandresourcesthatbestmeetyourneeds.

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resourCes ANd heLP

Herearesomeorganizationsthatcanhelpyouandyouradvocate.Someofthesenumbersarefreetocall(thosethatstartwith800,866,877,or888),andsomearenot.Rememberthattheabusermaytracethephonenumbersyoucall.Takecaretouseaphonethattheabusercannotcheckforcallsdialedandreceived.Manyorganizationsalsomaintainwebsiteswhereyoucanfindvaluableinformationtohelpyou.UsesafecomputerpracticesoruseapubliccomputertoensureyoursafetywhilenavigatingtheInternet.TolearnaboutsafecomputerandInternetpractices,gotowww.nnedv.org/internetsafety.html.Youshouldalsokeepthisguideinaplacewheretheabusercannotfindit.

resourCes

expertise on full faith and Credit and federal and state firearm LawsNational Center on Protection Orders and Full Faith & Credit (NCPOFFC)800-903-0111,prompt2703-312-7922www.fullfaithandcredit.orgncffc@bwjp.org

Advocacy for survivorsBatteredWomen’sJusticeProject800-903-0111,prompt1;612-824-8768;www.bwjp.org

Advocacy for battered Women Charged with CrimesNationalClearinghousefortheDefenseofBatteredWomen800-903-0111,prompt3;215-351-0010;www.ncdbw.org

for immediate helpForhelpindevelopingasafetyplan,findingalocaldomesticviolence,sexualassault,stalking,ordatingviolencepreventionprogram,orforinformationaboutprotectionordersandhowtogetone,contacttheNationalDomesticViolenceHotlineat800-799-SAFEor800-799-7233(multilingualadvocatesandinterpretersareavailable);TTY:800-787-3224.YoucanalsovisittheNationalDomesticViolenceHotlinewebsite,www.ndvh.org,tofindinformationonsafetyplanningandlinkstoresourcesinyourarea.TheTeenDatingViolenceHelplinecanbefoundatwww.loveisrespect.org.BoththeHotlineandtheHelplineareavailable24hoursaday,7daysaweektoassistyou.Ifyouwishtobeconnectedtoalocalrapecrisiscenterpleasecall800-656-4673orvisitwww.rainn.org.

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expertise on Custody issuesNationalCouncilofJuvenileandFamilyCourtJudgesFamilyViolenceDepartment800-52-PEACEor800-527-3223;www.ncjfcj.org

expertise on interstate Custody issuesLegalResourceCenteronViolenceAgainstWomen800-556-4053;301-270-1550;www.lrcvaw.org

expertise on stalking issuesNationalCenterforVictimsofCrimeStalkingResourceCenterHelpline8:30a.m.–8:30p.m.EST(M–F)800-FYI-CALLor800-394-2255202-467-8700;TTY:800-211-7996;www.ncvc.org/src

expertise on tribal issues MendingtheSacredHoop888-305-1650;218-623-4667;www.msh-ta.org

SacredCircle877-733-7623;www.sacred-circle.com

SouthwestCenterforLawandPolicy520-623-8192;www.swclap.org

TribalLawandPolicyInstitute651-644-1125;www.tribalprotectionorder.org

expertise on Animal Abuse/Pet safetyAmericanHumaneAssociationPetsandWomen’sShelters(PAWS)Program703-836-PETSor703-836-7387www.americanhumane.orgPAWSprogram@americanhumane.org

National Center on Protection orders and full faith & Credit1901 N. fort myer drive, suite 1011

Arlington, VA 22209toll free: 800-903-0111, Prompt 2

direct: 703-312-7922fax: 703-312-7966

Website: www.fullfaithandcredit.org

This projectwas supportedbyGrantNo.2006-WTAX-K047 awardedby theOfficeonViolenceAgainst

Women, U.S. Department of Justice. The opinions, findings, conclusions, and recommendations

expressed in this publication/program/exhibition are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily

reflect the views of the Department of Justice, Office on Violence Against Women.