Increasing Your Safety: Full Faith and Credit for Protection Orders

2

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

3

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.

4

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.

5

• 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.

6

• 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.

7

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.

8

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

9

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.

10

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.

11

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.

12

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).

13

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.

14

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.

15

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.

16

• 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.

17

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.

18

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.

19

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.