Tài liệu Increasing Your Safety: Full Faith and Credit for Protection Orders docx

Increasing Your Safety:
Full Faith and Credit for Protection Orders
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ABOUT THIS GUIDE
Do you have a protection order or are you thinking about
applying for one? And,
• Are you moving to a different community?
• Doyouworkandliveindifferentlocations?
• Areyougoingtoschooloutofstateorofftriballand?
• Areyouplanningavacationorextendedtravel?
• Doyoushopinanotherstateoroffthemilitaryinstallation?
• Areyougoingtoaneventoutsidethecommunitywhereyoureside?
If you answer “yes” to any of
the above questions, then
this guide is for you.
This guide is for you, or
someoneyouknowwhohas,
orplanstoseek,aprotection
orderandmaytravelacross
county,state,territorial,
tribal,orinternational
lines,ontomilitary
installations,orwithinU.S.
maritimejurisdictions.This
informationisintendedto
helpyouunderstandthefull
faithandcreditprovisionoftheViolenceAgainstWomenAct(VAWA),
18U.S.C.§2265(2006),byexplainingthefederallawandofferingideas
abouthowtogethelpifyouhaveproblemswiththeenforcementofyour
protectionorder.
What is a protection order?

Under VAWA , a “protection order” is dened as “. . . any injunction,
restrainingorder,oranyotherorderissuedbyacivilorcriminalcourt
forthepurposeofpreventingviolentorthreateningactsorharassment
against,sexualviolence,orcontactorcommunicationwithorphysical
proximityto,anotherperson....”Thisexpansivedenitionalsoincludes
“anysupport,childcustodyorvisitationprovisions,orders,remedies
orreliefissuedaspartofanyprotectionorder,restrainingorderor
injunction.”18U.S.C.§2266(5).
What is full faith and credit?
The full faith and credit provision of VAWA , 18 U.S.C. § 2265, states that
avalidprotectionorderissuedinonestate,tribe,orterritorymustbe
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enforced throughout the country. That means if
youobtainavalidprotectionorderinyourstate,it
isenforceableinyourstateaswellasinanyother
jurisdictionyoumaytraveltointheUnitedStates.
Thisincludesprotectionordersissuedbyjudicial
ofcersinall50states,triballands,theDistrictof
Columbia,theCommonwealthofPuertoRico,the
U.S.VirginIslands,AmericanSamoa,theNorthern
MarianaIslands,andGuam.
How do I know if my protection order is valid?
Any protection order that is issued by a state, tribe, territory, or the District
ofColumbiaisvalidandentitledtofullfaithandcreditif:
• Theissuingcourthadauthorityoverthesurvivorandtheabuser
(i.e.personaljurisdiction),andhadtheauthoritytohearthecase
(i.e.subjectmatterjurisdiction);and
• Theabuserwasgivennoticeoftheorder,thedateofthehearing,the
righttoappear,andtheopportunitytobeheardshouldtheabuserwish
tooffertestimonyinoppositiontotheentryofanalorder.

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, dating
violence,orstalkingmaybecalledmanythings,including:
• Stayawayorder;
• Nocontactorder;
• Restrainingorder;
• Harassmentorder;
• Protectionfromabuseorder;
• Stalkingprotectionorder;
• Injunctionforprotection;or
• Emergency,temporary,orexparteorder.
Adivorceordissolutionagreementmayincludeprotective
provisions.Bail,probation,orparoleconditionsmayinclude
provisionsnottoabuse,harass,orcontact.Theseprovisionsand
conditionsarealsoconsideredprotectionorders.
 Theseordersmaybeonaformorhandwritten.Theymaybe
issuedorallybyajudgeorjudicialofcial.Ordersalsovaryinlength
andcontent.
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If you have a temporary, emergency, or ex parte order, it is also entitled to
fullfaithandcreditifitmeetscertainrequirements.Seepage14ofthis
guideformoreinformation.
Be Prepared
The legal process can be very confusing and complicated. A domestic

violenceadvocatecanhelpyouunderstandthelegalprocessandprovide
youwithinformationaboutwhattoexpectandhowtoprepareifyou
choosetoseekassistancefromthecourt.Advocatescanalsohelpyouwith
asafetyplantailoredtoprotectyouandyourfamily.Lookforanadvocate
whoworksforadomesticviolence,sexualassault,datingviolence,or
stalkingprogram.You mayalsocalltheNationalDomesticViolence
Hotlineat800-799-SAFE(7233);TTY:800-787-3224.
 Forassistancewithprotectionorderissuesortheenforcementofyour
protectionorder,pleasecalltheNationalCenteronProtectionOrdersand
FullFaith&Credit(NCPOFFC)at800-903-0111,prompt2,orvisitwww.
fullfaithandcredit.org.NCPOFFCstaffcanalsoassistyouwithnding
advocacyserviceswhereyouarecurrentlyresiding,orinanyareawhere
youplantorelocate.
Practical Tips for Implementation of Your Protection Order
• Review your protection order to make sure that it contains the relief
thatthejudgegranted.Ifsomethingismissingorincorrect,bringitto
theattentionofthecourtbeforeleavingorhavingcopiesmade.
• Getcertiedcopiesofyourprotectionorderandcarryatleastonecopy
withyouatalltimes.Thecourtmustprovidefreecopies.
• Providecopiesoftheprotectionordertoanylawenforcementagency
thatyoumayasktoenforceyourprotectionorder,toyouremployer,
friendsandrelatives,toyourchild’sschoolordaycarefacility,andto
otherpeopleasappropriate.
• Obtaininformation(writtenororal)regardingwhethertheorderhas
beenservedontheabuser.Thisinformationmaybeprovidedbylaw
enforcement,theagencythatservedtheorder,orthecourtthatissued
theorder.
• Keeptrackofalltheabuser’sviolationsoftheorder.Itisimportantto
documentallcontactthattheabuserinitiateswithyou.Thisincludes
phonecalls,messagessentthroughotherpeople,visitstohomeor

work,ande-mailortextmessages.Keepingtrackofviolationswillhelp
lawenforcementtakestepstoprotectyou.Thisrecordoftheabuser’s
behaviormaybeusedtoprovideevidenceoftheabuser’sconductin
futurelegalproceedings.
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• Discuss with an advocate the procedures you may have to follow to get
yourprotectionorderenforcedinyourcommunity.Ifyoumoveto
anothercommunity,ndoutitsproceduresforenforcingprotection
orders.Thisisimportantbecauseproceduresforenforcementvary.
• Understandtheprosandconsoflingorregisteringyourorderin
anotherjurisdiction.Filingorregistrationmayenhanceenforcement
butmayalsorevealyourpresenceinthatjurisdiction.
• Makesafetyplansandroutinelyupdatethemtoincludechangesasthey
occurinyourlife.
• Contactthelocaldomesticviolenceprograminanycommunitywhere
youmayliveshort-orlong-term.
• Gotoashelter,ifnecessary.
• Contactalegalservicesofceinyourareaforhelpwithlegalmatters.
Enforcement of Your Protection Order
Under the full faith and credit provision, law enforcement ofcers,
prosecutors,andthecourtsarerequiredtoenforceallprotectionorders,
whetherissuedintheirjurisdictionorinanotherstate,tribe,orterritory.
Thatmeansifpoliceareauthorizedtoarrestsomeoneforviolationofa
localorder,theymayalsoarrestforviolationofanon-localorder.Iflaw
enforcementhaswarrantlessarrestauthorityintheenforcinglocation,
theyshouldarrestforallviolations
theyobserveorbelieveoccurred
there.Iftheabuserhasleftthescene
oftheviolation,lawenforcement
mayseekawarrantandarrest

theabuserwhentheabuseris
located.Theprovisionalsomeans
prosecutorsmaychargethecrime
ofviolationofprotectionorder
andanyotherillegalconductthat
occurredintheirjurisdiction.
Judgeswillhearthecaseaccordingtothelawswheretheviolation
occurred.
 Itwillbeeasiertoenforceyourprotectionorderiftheinformationon
theorderisclearandisknownbyyou.Thisinformationincludes:
• Thenameofeachpartyclearlyidentied.Thismeansyourname,
theabuser’sname,andtheotherpartieswhoarecoveredbythe
protectionorder.
• Thedatetheorderwasissued.
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.
• Thenameofthejudicialofcerwhosignedtheorder.
• Thesignatureofthejudgeorjudicialofcerwhograntedtheorder.
• Thetermsandconditionsoftheorderthatlimitormandatecertain
conductoftheabuser.
• Thelocationandphonenumberoftheissuingcourt.
Itisalsohelpfultoknowthedateofbirth,SocialSecuritynumber,motor
vehicleregistration,ordriver’slicensenumberofyourabuser.Additional

informationthatcanaidinserviceorenforcementofyourprotection
orderincludes:
• Yourabuser’shomeandworkaddresses;
• Adescriptionofyourabuser,includingtattoosandotherdistinctive
features;and
• Adescriptionofyourabuser’scarandlicenseplatenumber.
Althoughtheinformationisnotrequiredforenforcementunderfederal
law,knowledgeoftheabovemayhelpintheserviceorenforcementof
yourprotectionorder.
Practical Tips for Dealing with Law Enforcement
It will help law enforcement if you:
• Keepacopyofyourprotectionorderwithyouatalltimestoshowlaw
enforcementwhenyoureportviolations.
• Provideinformationregardingwhetheryourorderwasservedoryour
abuserhadnoticeoftheorder.
• Keepapictureoradescriptionoftheabuserhandyandbeready
toprovidepersonalinformationaboutyourabuser,suchasSocial
Securitynumber,driver’slicensenumber,anddateofbirth.
• Ifyoumove,itisimportanttodiscusstheprotocolinthenewlocation
withlocallawenforcementandadvocatesfamiliarwiththelocal
protectionorderenforcementprocess.
Practical Tips for Dealing with Prosecutors and Courts
Your state, tribal, or local prosecutor should know how to pursue charges
forviolationofanorderofprotectionissuedinanotherjudicialdistrict.
However,ifprosecutorsdonotknowaboutfullfaithandcredit,itwillbe
helpfulifyou:
• Providetheprosecutorandthecourtwithacertiedcopyofyour
protectionorder.
• Keepacopyofthisguidewithyouwhenyoumeetwithprosecutors
andwhenyouappearbeforeajudgeatahearing.

• Bringanadvocatewhoworksforadomesticviolence,stalking,sexual
assault,ordatingviolenceprogramwithyouforsupportandassistance
whendealingwithprosecutorsandthecourts.
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OTHER IMPORTANT AREAS OF CONSIDERATION
Relocating to a New Jurisdiction
Yo u may choose to move to a new location for many different reasons.
Itisimportanttoconsiderwhetheritisnecessaryorpreferredtogeta
protectionorderpriortomovingtothenewlocation.Somestateshave
lawsthatwillallowyoutoeeviolenceandpetitiontheircourtsforan
orderofprotectionwhenyouarriveinthenewlocation.Otherstatesdo
nothavethistypeofstatute,meaningyouneedtogetaprotectionorder
wheretheviolenceoccurred,beforemoving.Somestateshavelawsthat
limityourabilitytomovewithchildrenunlessyounotifyorhavethe
consentoftheotherparent.Itisimportanttoactwithinthelawsoyour
actionswillnotbeusedagainstyouinfuturecourtproceedings.Ifyou
plantorelocatewithyourchild,speakwithanadvocateorattorneyto
discusscustodyandvisitationissues.
It is especially important to consider these factors before relocating if
you have children:
• Does your protection order have a custody or visitation provision?
• Areyourchildrenlistedasprotectedpartiesontheprotectionorder?
• Doyouhaveanyfamilycourtordersregardingcustodyorvisitation?
• Isyourmovepermanentortemporary?
• Willyouneedtoobtainapassportorvisaforyourselforyourchildren?
International Moves or Leaving the United States
Yo u should seek legal advice before you leave the country. If you plan to
movetoanothercountry,orplantoleavetheUnitedStatesforvacation,
yourprotectionorderwillprobablynotbeenforceableintheother
country.Fullfaithandcreditmeansthatprotectionordersarehonored

aslongasyouareinoneofthe50states,ontriballand,inU.S.territories,
orwithinU.S.maritimejurisdictions.Internationalchildcustodylaws
arequitedifferentfromstate,tribal,orterritorialcustodystatutes.The
legalrelationshipsofothercountrieswiththeUnitedStatescanbe
quitecomplex.Legalissuesmayneedtobeaddressedbeforeyouleave
theUnitedStates.Itisextremelyimportanttotalktoanattorneyor
advocatewellversedininternationallawtoprotectyourinterests.Itisalso
importanttoadjustyoursafetyplantofactorininternationaltravel.
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Immigration or Citizenship Issues
If you are not currently a citizen of the United States or lawfully within the
country,youarestillallowedtoaccesscivilcourtstopetitionforprotective
relief.Everyabusedperson,regardlessofcitizenship,isentitledtoapplyfor
aprotectionorder.Non-citizensshouldconsultanattorneyknowledgeable
inimmigrationlawbeforeseekingaprotectionorderfromthecourts.
Legalissuesrelatedtoimmigrationstatusmayariseduringissuanceor
enforcement.Note:Whileitisnotnecessary,itmaybehelpfultole
animmigrationapplicationbeforeoratthesametimeasseekinga
protectionorder.
Confidentiality
There are many organizations available to help you navigate your situation.
Yo u willbeaskedtodiscussyoursituationwithmanydifferentpeople,and
attimesyoumayprovidepersonalinformation.Someofthepeoplewith
whomyouspeakarerequiredbylawtokeepcommunicationsbetween
thetwoofyoucondential.Thisiscalledacommunicationprivilege.
Communicationswithyourattorneyarecondential.Yourattorney
willnotdiscloseinformationthatyouprovidewithoutyouragreement.
Advocatesworkingforcommunity-baseddomesticviolenceorsexual
assaultorganizationsusuallyareboundtocondentialityunlessyou
waivetheprivilegeinwriting.Communicationswithhealthworkersare

generallycondential,butacourtmayrequirethatsomeofyourmedical
recordsandcommunicationswithhealthcareprovidersbedisclosed
incourt.
 Otherdiscussionsmaynotbecondential.Informationprovided
indiscussionswithgovernment-basedprofessionalsmayberelayedto
otherpeopleandmaynotremainprivate.Ifapersonisemployedby
agovernmentagency(suchasavictimspecialistinalawenforcement
agency,prosecutors,avictim/witnesscoordinatorinaprosecutor’s
ofce,oracourtclerk),yourcommunicationswiththemwill not be
condential.Beforedisclosinganyinformation,ifyouareuncertain
whethercommunicationswillremaincondential,feelfreetoask
professionalswithwhomyouarespeakingwhetheryourcommunications
arecondentialandwhethertheywilldiligentlyprotectyourinformation
fromdisclosure.
Internet Prohibition
With the increased use of technology to share information among law
enforcementagenciesandthecourts,itiscommonforjurisdictionsto
placeinformationregardingcivilandcriminalcases,includingprotection
9
orders, in secure governmental databases or on websites to allow for easy
accesstocaseinformation.VAWA limitsthepersonalinformationthatcan
bepubliclypostedontheInternet.Itspecicallyprohibitsinformation
“regardingtheregistration,lingofapetitionfor,orissuanceofa
protectionorder,restrainingorder,orinjunctionineithertheissuingor
enforcing”jurisdiction,ifsuchinformation“wouldbelikelytopublicly
revealtheidentityorlocationofthepartyprotectedundersuchorder.”18
U.S.C.§2265(d).Manystatelawsandproceduresprohibitthedisclosure
ofthefactthatyouhaveobtainedaprotectionorderfrombeingpostedon
publicwebsites.Talktoanadvocateaboutlawsinyourjurisdiction.
Custody Issues

In many jurisdictions, you can ask for child custody, visitation, or support
aspartofthereliefawardedinyourprotectionorder.Custody,visitation,
andsupportprovisionsinprotectionordersareentitledtofullfaithand
credit,andenforceableinotherlocations.Thismeansacustodyaward,
includingvisitationandsupportprovisions,thatispartofyourprotection
ordermustbeenforcedelsewhereasifyourorderwasissuedinthatother
state,tribe,orterritory.
Ifaviolationdoesoccur,
enforcementactionmaybe
takenbylawenforcementor
throughthecivilcourtsystem.
Lawenforcement
ofcersmay
beabletoassistyoubytreating
yourorderasifitwereissued
intheirjurisdiction.Depending
onthelawsandpoliciesofthat
jurisdiction,ofcersmaybeallowedtopickupchildren,orevenarrestfor
violationofthecustodyprovisioninyourprotectionorder.Anadvocate
willbeabletogiveyouinformationregardingthelawenforcement
responseinthejurisdiction.
 Yo u mayalsoaskthecivilcourtsystemtoenforceyourprotection
order.Todoso,lepaperswiththelocalcourtdescribinghowthecustody
provisionoftheprotectionorderhasbeenviolated.Thecourtwillmakea
determinationbasedonyourrequestthatmayincludeimposingnesor
otherpenalties,orcompellingtheviolatortocomplywiththeorder.
Keepinmindthatyoumayneedacivilattorneytoassistyouinbringing
thiscasetothecourts,especiallyifyouareseekingenforcementofthe
custodyprovisioninajurisdictionotherthantheonethatissuedthe
protectionorder.

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,orshipmentofrearmsandammunitionby
thefollowing:
• Thoseconvictedofafelony;
• Fugitivesfromjustice;
• Unlawfulusersof,orthoseaddictedto,illegaldrugs;
• Peoplewhoacourthasfoundtobementallyillorwhohavebeen
committedtoamentalinstitution;
• Undocumentedimmigrants,refugeeswhohaveoverstayedtheir
lengthofstay,orthoseadmittedintotheUnitedStatesunderanon-
immigrantvisa,unlessthenon-immigrantmeetscertainexceptionsto
theGunControlAct;
• PeopledishonorablydischargedfromtheArmedForces;
• PeoplewhohaverenouncedtheirU.S.citizenship;
• Individualssubjecttoaqualifyingprotectionorder;
• Thoseconvictedofaqualifyingmisdemeanorcrimeofdomestic
violence;and
• Peopleunderindictmentforacrimepunishablebyincarcerationfor
morethanoneyear.
Protection Orders and Military Installations
There are some differences between military and civilian protection
orders.Militaryprotectionordersareenforceableonlyonthebase

wheretheyareissued.Theseordersdonotmeetthedueprocess
requirementsforfullfaithandcreditbecausetheabuserisnotgiven
noticeandtheopportunitytobeheard.Sincemilitaryprotectionorders
cannotbeenforcedofftheinstallation,youmaywanttoconsideralso
gettingacivilprotectionorderinajudicialdistrictnearthemilitary
installation.Ifyouliveoffbase,gooffbaseregularly,aremovingoff
base,orarerelocatingtoanewbase,acivilprotectionorderissuedby
aciviliancourtcanofferyouprotectioninthenewlocation.Civilian
protectionordersmustbeenforcedonbase.Manyabusedindividuals
havebothamilitaryprotectionorderandacivilianprotectionorder.
 Ifyouarethinkingaboutgettingamilitaryprotectionorder,
thereareafewthingsyoushouldconsider.Rememberthatreporting
incidentsofabusetomilitarypersonnel,otherthanclergy,isnot
typicallycondential.Anythingyousaytomilitarypersonnel
regardingviolenceorabusetoyourselforyourchildrenmustbe
reportedtocommandstaff.Ifyouneedtotellsomeonesomething
condential,askthepersonifyourconversationisprotectedby
condentialityrequirements.
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Persons against whom
protectionordershave
beengrantedmaybe
prohibitedfrompurchasing,
possessing,orusingrearmsor
ammunitionbyfederal,state,
tribal,orterritoriallawfor
thedurationoftheprotection
order.Thefederalgunlaw
requires(asdomanystate,
territorial,andtriballaws)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?
Stateandterritoriallawenforcementandcourtsaremandatedunder
thefullfaithandcreditprovisionofVAWA tofullyenforceprotection
ordersissuedbytribalcourts.Enforcementmaybebycivillawor
criminalprosecution,orboth.Yourprotectionorderfromatribal
courtisrequiredtoreceivethesamekindofresponseoutsideIndian
CountryasitiswouldbeinsideIndianCountry.Othertribesarealso
requiredtoenforceyourorder.
I have a state protection order, but I am moving to, living on, or
visiting an Indian reservation. Is my protection order valid?
ThefullfaithandcreditprovisionsofVAWArequiretribalcourts
torecognizeandenforceprotectionordersfromallstates,tribes,
andterritories.Ifyouhaveastateorterritorialprotectionorderand
youarelivingorstayinginIndianCountry,youshouldknowthat
mosttribalcourtshavetheauthoritytoenforceallprotectionorders
issuedthroughcivilorcriminalproceedings.Itmaybeadvisableto
checkwithtriballawenforcementtondoutabouttheirpoliciesfor
enforcingforeignorders.
 Thereisonemajorexception:tribalcourtsdonothavethe
authoritytoimposecriminalsanctionsagainstnon-Indians.
However,tribalpolicecantakenon-Indianperpetratorsintocustody
andtransportthemtostateorfederalauthorities.Tribalcourtscan
excludenon-Indianviolatorsfromtriballands,usetheircivillawsto
compelnon-Indianstocompletetasksrequiredbyprotectionorders,
andimposenesagainstnon-Indianabusers.
Ifyouneedadditionalassistancewithatribalprotectionorder,please
lookintheresourcessectionofthisguideforanappropriatetechnical

assistanceprovider.
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 partner
orthechildofeithertheabuserortheabusedperson.Inaddition,under
federallawtheordermustprohibittheabuserfromharassing,stalking,or
threateningtheintimatepartnerorthechildofthepartnerortheabuser,
orfromengaginginbehaviorthatputstheintimatepartnerorthechildin
reasonablefearofbodilyinjury.18U.S.C.§922(g)(8)(A).Theordermust
includeeitherawrittenndingthattheabuserpresentsacrediblethreatto
theintimatepartner’ssafetyorthatofthechild,orawrittenprohibition
againsttheuse,attempteduse,orthreatofphysicalforcethatcouldcause
physicalinjury.18U.S.C.§922(g)(8)(B)-(C).
 Federallawalsorequirestheabusertohaveactualnoticeofthehearing
ontheorderandtheopportunitytobeheardatthathearing.Ifthe
abuserdoesnotappearatahearingofwhichtheabuserhadpriornotice,
theabusermaystillbefederallyprohibitedfrompossessingarearmor
ammunition.
Qualifying relationships are cases where the petitioner is:
• Aspouseorformerspouseoftherespondentordefendant;
• Apersonwholivesorwhohaslivedwiththerespondentor
defendant(i.e.,whoresidesorresidedtogetherinasexualor
romanticrelationship);
• Achildoftherespondentordefendant,achildoftheintimate

partner,orachildincommonoftherespondentordefendantand
theintimatepartner(includingwhereparentalrightshavebeen
terminated);
• Apersonwithwhomtherespondentordefendanthasorhada
childincommon(regardlessofwhethertheyweremarriedor
cohabitated).
A qualifying relationship does not include:
• Boyfriendsorgirlfriendswhodonotlivetogetherorhavenever
livedtogether;
• Elderabuse;
• Brotherswhoabusesiblings,uncleswhoabuseniecesandnephews,
grandparentswhoabusegrandchildren,etc.;
• Roommates,neighbors,orstrangers.
Note:Theselistsofrelationshipsarenotexhaustiveandareexamplesusedto
illustratethetypesofrelationshipsthatmaytriggerthefederalrearmprohibition.
See18U.S.C.§921(a)(32)and18U.S.C.§922(g)(8).
13
 If an abuser who is subject to a protection order is a police ofcer, in
themilitary,orworksforagovernmentagencythatrequirestheabuserto
carryarearmwhileonduty,thereisanexceptiontothegunprohibition
knownasthe“ofcialuseexemption.”18U.S.C.§925(a)(1).This
exemptiononlyappliestoweaponscarriedduringworkinghours.These
weaponsmustbesurrenderedtothegovernmentagencyattheendofthe
workday.Theabuserisstillprohibitedfromhavingpersonalweaponsfor
thedurationoftheprotectionorder.
 Anabuserconvictedofamisdemeanorcrimeofdomesticviolencemay
beprohibitedfrompossessingarearmbyfederallaw.18U.S.C.§922(g)
(9).Theabusermusthavebeenacurrentorformerspouseofthevictim;a
parentorguardianofthevictim;haveachildincommonwiththevictim;
cohabitateorhavecohabitatedwiththevictimasaspouse,parent,or

guardian;orbeapersonsimilarlysituatedtoaspouse,parent,orguardian.
Theabusermustbeconvictedunderapartofamisdemeanorstatutethat
speciesthatthecriminalconductistheuseorattempteduseofphysical
force,orthreateneduseofadeadlyweapon.
 Otherrearmprohibitionsmay
alsoapply.Inmanyjurisdictions,
abuserswhoaresubjecttoavalidprotectionorder,orwhohavebeen
convictedofamisdemeanor,maybeprohibitedfrompossessing,
purchasing,ortransferringrearmsandammunitionunderstate,tribal,
orterritoriallaw.Thelawsmayalsoprohibitindividualsfrompossessing
rearmsiftheyareunderarearmrestrictioninadifferentjurisdiction.
Askyouradvocateaboutlawsthatmayprohibityourabuserfrom
possessingorusingarearm,orcontactNCPOFFCat800-903-0111
prompt2,orvisitthewebsiteatwww.fullfaithandcredit.org.
Judicial Notification Regarding
Federal Firearm Prohibitions
Courtsarenowrequiredtonotifyalldomesticviolenceoffendersof
thetwofederaldomesticviolence-relatedgunprohibitions.Courts
mustinformalldomesticviolenceoffendersthattheymaybesubject
tofederalrearmprohibition(s).Thenoticationshouldalsoinform
theabuserofapplicablestate,tribal,orterritoriallawsthatmaylimit
purchaseorpossessionofrearmsandammunition.Itisimportant
thatoffendersareawareoftheseprohibitions.Withthisnotication
bythecourts,eitherinwritingororally,offendersareprovidednotice
thattheymaybeatriskoffederalprosecutioniftheypossessrearms
orammunition,orattempttopurchaseeitherone.
14
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What does it mean for the abuser to receive notice or be served with a
protection order?

Personalserviceorbeingpersonallyservedmeansthattheabuserwas
givenacopyofthepetitionorpleadingrequestingtheorderandthe
protectionorder.Ifacourthearinghasbeenscheduled,theabuserwill
alsobeinformedaboutthehearingdateandtherightsofaccusedpersons.
Lawenforcementusually,butnotalways,servespetitionsandorders.The
individualservingthepetitionandorderontheabusercompletesaproof
ofserviceandsubmitstheprooftothecourtforentryintothecourt
records.Noticeisabroaderconceptthatessentiallymeansthattheabuser
wastoldaboutorshowntheprotectionorderorotherwiseknewaboutit,
orotherwiseknewabouttheorder,itsterm,anditsconditions.
Are emergency or ex parte orders valid and enforceable under
federal law?
Ex parte orders are emergency or temporary orders issued at the request
ofthevictimwithoutpriornoticetotheabuser.Theyarevalidfromthe
timeofissuanceuntilexpiration.Forexample,anex parteorderthatis
issuedfor15daysbeforeahearingmustbeheldwouldbevalidinany
othercommunityfor15days.Whethertheorderisenforceablebyarrest,
however,willdependonwhethertheabuserhasbeenservedwiththe
orderorreceivednoticeoftheorder’sexistence.
Will I be charged a fee to obtain a protection order?
Jurisdictions receive certain federal funding that prohibits them from
chargingthepetitionerfeesforlingapetitionforaprotectionorder,
costsrelatedtoissuance,registration,andserviceofprotectionorders
relatedtodomesticviolence,sexualassault,orstalking.All50states,
U.S.territories,andsometribesreceivethisfunding.Ifyouarehaving
troublelingapetitionforaprotectionorder,gettingtheorderserved,or
obtainingcopiesofyourorderfreeofcharge,contactyourlocaldomestic
violence,sexualassault,stalking,anddatingviolencepreventionprogram
orNCPOFFCforassistance.
What if I have a mutual protection order?

Oneorderthatcontainsprohibitionsrestrainingbothyouandtheabuser
fromdoingcertainthingsiscalledamutualorder.Mutualprotection
ordersaretreateddifferentlyunderthefederalfullfaithandcreditlaw,and
canbehardtoenforce.Theyarestronglydiscouraged.
15
 If your abuser les for a protection order rst, you may want to le a
counter-petitionagainsthimorher.Ifthecourtissuesamutualorderat
thenalhearing,requestthatthecourtincludespecicndingsthatboth
youandtheabuserareentitledtoprotection.Anotheroptionistolefor
aseparateprotectionorder.Note:Ifyouarethersttole,aprotection
orderissuedshouldbeenforceableinanyjudicialdistricttoprotectyou,
butitisnotenforceableagainstyououtsidetheissuingjurisdictionunless
theabuserledacounter-petitionandthecourtmadespecicndings
thattheabuserisalsoentitledtoprotection.18U.S.C.§2265(c).Contact
anadvocateforinformationabouttheproblemsassociatedwithenforcing
mutualprotectionorders.
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 your
protectionorderevenifyouhavenotregisteredorleditinthenew
jurisdiction.Yo u maywanttoconsiderregisteringorlingyourprotection
orderifyourelocate.Listedbelowaresomerisksandbenetsto
registration.
• Registrationorlingcanhelplawenforcementandcourtstoverify
yourorder’sexistence,aswellasproofofservice,andmayincreasethe
likelihoodofenforcement.
Practical Tips on Service and Notice
Mostpoliceofcerswillnotenforceex parteordersunlesstheycan
verifythattheabuserhadnoticeorwasservedwiththeorder.
• Keepatleastonecopy(ortwocopiesifyourorderhasnotbeen

served)ofyourprotectionorderwithyouatalltimesandshowit
tothepolicewhenyoureportaviolation.
• Showthepoliceanyproofyouhavethattheorderwasservedor
thattheabuserhadnoticeoftheorder.Yo u mayobtainaproofof
servicefromtheissuingcourtoncetheabuserhasbeenserved.
• Iftheorderhasnotbeenservedontheabuserbeforeyoureporta
violation,ortheofcerisunabletoverifynotice,asktheofcerto
servetheorderontheabuserandarresttheabuserforanyother
crimestheabusercommittedintheenforcingjurisdiction.
• Asktheofcertonotifytheissuingjurisdictionthatthe
protectionorderwasservedandtoprovidetheissuing
jurisdictioninformationonwhetheranarrestwaseffectedfor
violationoftheprotectionorderintheenforcingjurisdiction.
16
• Althoughfederallawclearlyindicatesthatregistrationisnotrequired
forenforcement,manyjurisdictionsstillhavelawenforcement
practicesthatrequireregistrationorlingforenforcementtooccur.
• Youoryouradvocatemaywanttoremindcourtorlawenforcement
personnelwhohandlethelingorregistrationofyourprotection
orderthatfederallawprohibitsjurisdictionsfromsendingnoticetothe
abuser,unlessyourequestnoticetobesent.
• Filingorregistrationmaybeimpossibleorimpracticalinsome
circumstances.Forexample,ifyouhavetotravelagreatdistanceto
leyourorder,thecostmaybetoogreat.Ifyourabuserisstalkingyou
acrossstateortriballines,youmaywanttokeepyourwhereabouts
condential,andregistrationofyourordermayriskdisclosureofyour
residenceinthenewjurisdiction.
Yo u maywanttotalktoadomesticviolenceadvocatewhocanexplain
theprocessandhelpyoudecidewhetherlingorregistrationisagood
decisionforyou.

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,
youhavetherighttoownandpossessanyrearmthatislegallypurchased
byortransferredtoyou.Yo u arealsolegallyabletopurchaseandpossess
ammunition.Keepinmindthatpossessionofarearmdoesnotguarantee
yoursafety,andaweaponobtainedforpersonalprotectionmaybeused
againstyou.
May I turn in my firearms?
Yo u may be able to temporarily store rearms that were legally purchased
ortransferredtoyouortheabuserwithyourlocallawenforcementagency.
Criminalpenaltiesmayarisefrompossessingillegalrearms.Somelaw
enforcementagencieshavecreatedwaiversoncriminalpunishment
whenillegalgunsaresurrendered.Youmaywanttoinquirewhetheryou
areimmunefromprosecutionforsurrenderingillegalrearmsbefore
decidinghowtoridyourselfofillegalrearms.To getdirectionsonhow
toturnoverrearms(eitherforsurrenderorstorage),youmaywantto
consultwithyourattorney,advocate,locallawenforcementagency,or
theBureauofAlcohol,To b a cco,FirearmsandExplosives.
17
SAFETY PLANNING
Your safety is most important
Safetyplanningisveryimportantforyouandyourlovedones.To learnaboutsafety
planning,contactyourlocaldomesticviolence,sexualassault,stalking,anddating
violencepreventionprogramorvisittheirwebsite,wheretheremaybelinkstosafety
planningguides.Aprotectionorderisonlyonepartofasafetyplanandonetoolthat
youcanusetoescapeviolence.NO ONE THING CAN GUARANTEE YOUR SAFETY
AT ALL TIMES.Safetyplanningisanongoingprocess.Partoftheprocessisrisk
assessment—consideringhow,where,andwhenyourabusermightuseviolenceagainst
youoryourchildren.Anotherpartofthesafetyplanningprocessisndingallieswho

willhelpyoudevelopplanstoavoidviolenceorwhowillhelpsafeguardyouwhenyour
abuserbecomesviolent.IfyouremployerhasanEmployeeAssistanceProgram,youmay
wishtospeakwitharepresentativeaboutsecurityattheworkplaceandanyassistance
theprogrammayprovide.Yo u canaskforhelpandsupportfromanadvocateatalocal
domesticviolence,sexualassault,stalking,ordatingviolencepreventionprogram.Many
toolsandresourcesareavailabletohelpincreaseyoursafetyandprotectyourchildren.
Safety planning can include, but is not limited to the following:
• Thinkingofasafeplacetogoifanargumentoccurs.
• Makingalistofsafepeopletocontact.
• Memorizingimportantphonenumbers.
• Establishingacodewordorsignsothatfamily,friends,teachers,orco-workers
knowwhentocallforhelp.
• Thinkingaboutwhatyouwilldoorsaytoyourabuserifheorshebecomesviolent.
• Changingyourphonenumber.
• Screeningcalls.
• Savinganddocumentingallcontact,messages,injuries,orotherincidentsinvolving
theabuser.
• Changinglocks,iftheabuserhasakey.
• Planninghowtogetawayifconfrontedbyanabusivepartner.
• Varyingyourroutine.
• Notifyingschoolandworkcontactsabouttheabuse,andactionsyouwouldlike
themtotakeiftheabusercomesonsite.
• Thinkingaboutwhatyoucandotokeepyourchildrensafe.
• Gettingtoknowthelocaldomesticviolence,sexualassault,stalking,anddating
abuserprogramstaffandtheresourcestheyoffer.
• Avoidingstayingalone.
• Choosingtomeetyourabuseronlyinsafepublicplaces.
If you leave the relationship or are thinking of leaving, you should take important papers
anddocumentswithyoutoenableyoutoapplyforbenetsortakelegalaction.Papers
youshouldtakeincludeSocialSecuritycards,passports,documentsregardingcitizenship,

andbirthcerticatesforyouandyourchildren;yourmarriagelicense;leasesordeeds;
yourcheckbook,bankstatements,chargecards,andchargeaccountstatements;insurance
policies;proofofincomeforyouandyourabuser(paystubsorW-2s);picturesofyour
abuser;andanydocumentationofpastincidentsofabuse(photos,policereports,medical
records,etc.).
 Safetyplansvaryfrompersontoperson.Yo u aretheexpertonyourabuser’sbehavior,
useofviolence,andwhatyouneedtobesafe.Choosethetoolsandresourcesthatbest
meetyourneeds.
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RESOURCES AND HELP
Herearesomeorganizationsthatcanhelpyouandyouradvocate.Some
ofthesenumbersarefreetocall(thosethatstartwith800,866,877,or
888),andsomearenot.Rememberthattheabusermaytracethephone
numbersyoucall.Ta kecaretouseaphonethattheabusercannotcheck
forcallsdialedandreceived.Manyorganizationsalsomaintainwebsites
whereyoucanndvaluableinformationtohelpyou.Usesafecomputer
practicesoruseapubliccomputertoensureyoursafetywhilenavigating
theInternet.To learnaboutsafecomputerandInternetpractices,goto
www.nnedv.org/internetsafety.html.Youshouldalsokeepthisguideina
placewheretheabusercannotndit.
RESOURCES
Expertise on Full Faith and Credit and Federal and State Firearm Laws
National Center on Protection Orders and Full Faith & Credit (NCPOFFC)
800-903-0111,prompt2
703-312-7922
www.fullfaithandcredit.org

Advocacy for Survivors
BatteredWomen’sJusticeProject
800-903-0111,prompt1;612-824-8768;www.bwjp.org

Advocacy for Battered Women Charged with Crimes
NationalClearinghousefortheDefenseofBatteredWomen
800-903-0111,prompt3;215-351-0010;www.ncdbw.org
For Immediate Help
Forhelpindevelopingasafetyplan,ndingalocaldomesticviolence,
sexualassault,stalking,ordatingviolencepreventionprogram,orfor
informationaboutprotectionordersandhowtogetone,contactthe
NationalDomesticViolenceHotlineat800-799-SAFEor800-799-
7233(multilingualadvocatesandinterpretersareavailable);TTY:800-
787-3224.Yo u canalsovisittheNationalDomesticViolenceHotline
website,www.ndvh.org,tondinformationonsafetyplanningand
linkstoresourcesinyourarea.TheTeenDatingViolenceHelplinecan
befoundatwww.loveisrespect.org.BoththeHotlineandtheHelpline
areavailable24hoursaday,7daysaweektoassistyou.Ifyouwishto
beconnectedtoalocalrapecrisiscenterpleasecall800-656-4673or
visitwww.rainn.org.
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Expertise on Custody Issues
NationalCouncilofJuvenileandFamilyCourtJudges
FamilyViolenceDepartment
800-52-PEACEor800-527-3223;www.ncjfcj.org
Expertise on Interstate Custody Issues
LegalResourceCenteronViolenceAgainstWomen
800-556-4053;301-270-1550;www.lrcvaw.org
Expertise on Stalking Issues
NationalCenterforVictimsofCrime
StalkingResourceCenter
Helpline8:30a.m.–8:30p.m.EST(M–F)
800-FYI-CALLor800-394-2255
202-467-8700;TTY:800-211-7996;www.ncvc.org/src

Expertise on Tribal Issues 
MendingtheSacredHoop
888-305-1650;218-623-4667;www.msh-ta.org
SacredCircle
877-733-7623;www.sacred-circle.com
SouthwestCenterforLawandPolicy
520-623-8192;www.swclap.org
TribalLawandPolicyInstitute
651-644-1125;www.tribalprotectionorder.org
Expertise on Animal Abuse/Pet Safety
AmericanHumaneAssociation
PetsandWomen’sShelters(PAWS)Program
703-836-PETSor703-836-7387
www.americanhumane.org

National Center on Protection Orders and Full Faith & Credit
1901 N. Fort Myer Drive, Suite 1011
Arlington, VA 22209
Toll Free: 800-903-0111, Prompt 2
Direct: 703-312-7922
Fax: 703-312-7966
Website: www.fullfaithandcredit.org
This project was supported by Grant No. 2006-WTAX-K047 awarded by the Ofce onViolenceAgainst
Women, U.S. Department of Justice. The opinions, ndings, conclusions, and recommendations
expressed in this publication/program/exhibition are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily
reect the views of the Department of Justice, Ofce on Violence Against Women.