New alert system protects victims of domestic violence

Iowa Attorney General Tom Miller

New alerts from the Iowa Attorney General’s office will ensure that victims of abuse are better informed about protective orders against their abusers.

In Iowa, victims of abuse must request that the court issue a “no contact” order to legally prevent an abuser from approaching them. A “no contact” order is not enforceable until the abuser is served with the order.

The new Iowa Protective Order Notification for Domestic Abuse Program (IPONDA) will provide near real-time, around-the-clock notifications by telephone or e-mail. Registered victims will know if a “no contact” order has been served or if a “no contact” order is about to expire.

The alert system is paid for through a grant from the Federal Department of Justice. Those who wish to register for notifications should call 1-888-742-8463 or go to www.registervpo.com.    

Learn more about IPONDA at http://www.iowa.gov/government/ag/helping_victims/contents/IPONDA.html.