Protective Orders have been a lifesaving tool for survivors of intimate partner and sexual violence for many years in VA. However, a thorough understanding of whether or not a protective order is a useful tool for a particular survivor and the community structure for effective issuance and enforcement are what makes protective orders valuable tools in ensuring safety and accountability.
This 4 -part series on Protective Orders in Virginia reviewed and discussed the history of protective orders, what types are available and how survivors access them, what do advocates need to know to assist survivors in effective use of them, and finally, new firearms restrictions related to protective orders and how to build a community structure to ensure the most effective enforcement of them.
Session 1: History and Overview of Protective Orders
This webinar, facilitated by Ruth Micklem (VSDVAA) and Susheela Varky (VPLC), discusses the history of Protective Orders (PO’s) in Virginia; their purpose; and the role of advocates in PO cases.
Recording: https://youtu.be/2-l-U7AAriA
Presentation slides: http://bit.ly/POslides910
Handout 1 (History of Virginia POs): http://bit.ly/POhistory910
Handout 2 (Assessment tool): http://bit.ly/POassmt910
Session 2: Nuts and Bolts of PO’s
Caitlin Bradley (VSDVAA) covers the mechanics of PO’s - each type of PO; reviews the forms used for requesting and modifying PO’s; reviews the types of relief sought in PO’s; and discusses preparing survivors for court.
Recording: https://youtu.be/woIG4KjHmiQ
Presentation slides: https://bit.ly/POseries2slides
Session 3: Real-World Application of PO’s
Susheela Varky facilitates a panel-style discussion about the enforcement and real-world application of PO’s from the perspective of Legal Aid attorneys who are practicing on the ground. Participants were invited to submit questions beforehand and panelists shared real-world experience and perspective on PO cases, especially during COVID-19. Panelists included:
a. Sherron Ashby, Domestic Violence Attorney, Blue Ridge Legal Services (BRLS)
b. Nora Mahoney, Family Law Practice Group Chair, Legal Services of Northern Virginia (LSNV)
c. Jamesa Parker, Staff Attorney, Legal Aid Society of Eastern Virginia (LASEVA)
Recording: https://youtu.be/tZrogP_m_OE
Presentation slides: http://bit.ly/POseriesPPT3
Handout (VAWA Compliant Release Form): https://bit.ly/POSeriesVAWARelease
Session 4: Protective Orders and Firearms
Ruth Micklem discusses special considerations when firearms are involved. This webinar covered new legislation regarding firearms; safety considerations regarding firearms; and a discussion around community responses to firearms and PO’s.
Recording: https://youtu.be/ko8t7X1tnTQ
Presentation slides: http://bit.ly/POseriesPPT4
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