Update
Paying for Protective Order Relief Means Survivors Stay Safe
Published
For survivors of domestic violence or sexual abuse, protective orders can include housing-related relief such as rent, utilities, or alternative housing. Legislation moving forward in the General Assembly clarifies that when judges grant this type of relief, they may also order an abuser to pay for it.
This clarification is especially important because many people seeking protective orders represent themselves in court. Even if they might qualify for legal aid, securing an attorney in time for a protective order hearing is often difficult. Clear language in the statute helps ensure survivors know they can ask the court to require an abuser to cover housing-related relief granted through the order.
HB 1363 (Dougherty) was reported this week from the Senate Courts of Justice Committee with an amendment on a 12–3 vote. The bill was the focus of a recent VPLC Action Alert that prompted readers to contact lawmakers on the committee.
