NCJ Number
178915
Date Published
1999
Length
24 pages
Annotation
This booklet presents background information and guidelines for use by advocates for survivors of domestic assault in helping survivors ensure that jurisdictions honor and enforce protection orders issued by courts in other jurisdictions, in accordance with the requirements of the Federal Violence Against Women Act (VAWA).
Abstract
The full faith and credit provision of VAWA enables survivors of abuse to call on police officers and the courts to enforce protection orders across State or tribal lines and makes abusers susceptible to arrest and prosecution if the laws of the enforcing jurisdiction allow this type of enforcement for violations of protection orders. Advocates need to share information about full faith and credit with all survivors. Advocates also need to advise survivors of the dangers they may experience when traveling and assist them with appropriate safety planning. They should be familiar with the sources of technical assistance on full faith and credit, know the laws and policies for enforcing other jurisdictions' protection orders in their jurisdiction, and know how to obtain this same information about other jurisdictions. The booklet explains which orders of protection are enforceable, the applicable laws, how the Federal law is being implemented, and how protection orders are enforced. It also summarizes Federal criminal laws related to domestic violence. Checklists for effective advocacy in the issuing jurisdiction and the enforcing jurisdiction, telephone numbers from which to obtain technical assistance, and discussion of advocating for immigrant survivors of domestic violence