Civil protection orders: a viable justice system tool for deterring domestic violence

The prevalence and severity of domestic violence have illuminated the need for effective justice system responses to this pernicious phenomenon. A remedy that all states now provide is the civil protection order, but the forms of relief available, duration of orders, and processes for obtaining them vary from state to state. Examples of types of relief include prohibitions against further abuse and contact with the protected person; eviction from the residence; and temporary custody of children. Studies of civil protection orders suggest that they can be an effective form of relief if the justice system takes affirmative steps to increase their power, including screening petitioners to identify those who need more elaborate safety plans; provision of specific and comprehensive orders and low cost and effective service of them; stringent enforcement of orders by law enforcement and the court; and linkages from the court to advocacy services, shelters, legal representation, and other services.