(BPI #034)

Practice Areas:  

• Preparation of the petition and filing procedures

• Linkages with comprehensive victim advocacy and services

• Procedures for emergency hearings and orders

• Procedures for service of process for temporary orders

• Procedures for hearings on the final order

• Standardized civil protection order elements  

Date of Implementation: 1987

Overview: The Domestic Violence Protection Order program is a collaborative effort of the court, the Sheriff’s Department, and the Committee to Aid Abused Women, a private non-profit advocacy and shelter program. The program provides for a Protection Order Advocate’s Office to assist victims in the petition process.

Key Elements:

• Protection Order Advocate’s Office.  The Office provides assistance to all parties in domestic violence cases in accessing the court, completing forms and arranging service. Interpreters are available if needed.  In addition, the Office provides referrals for shelter, assistance in obtaining emergency funds, safety planning, in-court support, and other services in cases in which more proactive advocacy is needed. The Office is located within the courthouse and includes three private interview rooms, a waiting room, staff office, and children’s play area. These offices are behind locked doors and are entered by calling the staff on the in-house phone outside the door. 

• Judicial interview with petitioner.  All applicants for ex parte protection orders receive an individual interview/hearing with the judge. The judge hears the facts as explained by the victim and asks the necessary questions to determine whether an order is warranted. The judge stresses that the incident is not the victim’s fault and that no one deserves to be abused. Applicants consistently report that the interview is the most meaningful and empowering step of the entire court process. The judge generally orders applicants to attend the Domestic Violence Education Program to learn more about the cycle of domestic violence. Applicants also are provided with a packet of information about the permanent hearing. 

• Standardized forms.  Standardized forms were developed by a multidisciplinary committee appointed by the Supreme Court.   

• One family, one judge policy.  All matters involving the same family, such as divorce, child abuse, delinquency, child support, and domestic violence cases, are heard by the same judge. 

• Procedures for service of process for temporary orders.  Once the order is filed it is served by the Sheriff’s Department. All orders are served by the plain clothes deputies using unmarked cars. Orders calling for the removal of the respondent or custody of children receive priority and are generally served the same day. All orders are entered into a computer database and a list of current orders is routinely distributed to all law enforcement officers. All affidavits of service are kept in the Sheriff’s Record Department, so that officers can receive confirmation over the phone.   

• District Attorney’s domestic violence team.  The team reviews cases of protection order violations.  Criminal charges are filed in appropriate cases.  If a determination is made that the matter should be handled as a contempt action in the protection order court, the Deputy District Attorney prepares the case and appears in court to present it. 

• Continuous improvement.  The Protection Order program continuously seeks feedback and suggestions to improve the services provided.  Evaluation questionnaires are regularly sent to randomly selected litigants and the court is actively involved in the County’s Domestic Violence Task Force. 

Replication:  The jurisdiction has received numerous requests from courts around the country for information about the program and has hosted several site visits.

Evaluation: The Battered Women’s Justice Program conducted a program audit in 1994.  In addition, the court routinely surveys litigants.

Other Support:  The National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges recognized the program as a “State of the Art” Program in 1992. Judges and Advocates from the court have served as faculty members for the National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges and the National Judicial College.

Contact & Related Links: 

Hon. Scott Jordan
Second Judicial District Court
PO Box 30083
Reno, NV 89502
(775) 328-3800
(775) 325-6788 Fax
sjordan@mail.co.washoe.nv.us

National Center for State Courts
300 Newport Avenue
Williamsburg, VA 23185
Phone (800)616-6109 Fax (757)564-2022
Questions or Comments - email webmaster@ncsc.dni.us
Copyright © 2002 The National Center for State Courts. All Rights Reserved.