
Protective Orders for Victims of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault
By Capt. Christian Hewitt, Special Victim Counsel
In the Army, victims of domestic violence and related offenses have access to different types of protective orders to help keep them safe. Here are the main ones:
1. Military Protective Order: A Military Protective Order is issued by a military commander to protect a victim of domestic violence. It can require the alleged offender to stay away from the victim, their residence, workplace, or other designated locations. MPOs are typically issued quickly and can provide immediate protection while legal proceedings are ongoing.
2. Restraining Order: While not specific to the military, a restraining order can be obtained through civilian courts to protect victims of domestic violence. It prohibits the alleged offender from contacting or coming near the victim, and may also include other provisions, such as requiring the offender to move out of a shared residence.
3. No-Contact Order: A No-Contact Order may be issued by a military commander as part of an investigation into allegations of domestic violence or related offenses. It requires the alleged offender to refrain from contacting the victim while the investigation is ongoing. No-Contact Orders are temporary and may be replaced by more permanent protective measures if necessary.
4. Civilian Protective Order: Victims of domestic violence can seek a Civilian Protective Order through civilian courts, which provides legal protection against the alleged offender. CPOs typically include provisions similar to those of military protective orders, such as prohibiting contact and requiring the offender to stay away from the victim.
5. Emergency Protective Order: An Emergency Protective Order is a temporary protective measure issued by a civilian court in emergency situations, such as instances of immediate danger. It provides immediate protection to the victim and may be followed by more permanent legal measures.
These protective orders aim to provide victims of domestic violence with legal protections and help ensure their safety. It is important for victims to understand the specific provisions and limitations of each type of protective order and to seek assistance from victim advocates or legal professionals for guidance on obtaining and enforcing these orders.
If you have questions on this topic, call the Fort Bliss Special Victims’ Counsel Program Office at (915) 568-5641