Protective orders now available for sexual assault
UPDATE: Branstad signed SF 401 into law May 10. The law allows for a protective order against an accused abuser and was dubbed the Sexual Assault Protective Order.
PREVIOUS: After passing through the Iowa House of Representatives and Senate, a bill that would benefit sexual assault survivors is set to be signed by Gov. Terry Branstad Wednesday at 1:30 p.m. in his formal office at the Iowa State Capitol Building. The bill dubbed the Sexual Assault Protective Order, if signed, will provide additional options to sexual assault victims as well as increase safety.
Previously, in Iowa, a survivor has to have been in a relationship defined under domestic abuse codes to receive protective order in the civil legal system. This will change with the signing of this bill.
This order mirrors those implemented in 34 other states and the District of Columbia. The Iowa Coalition Against Sexual Assault (IowaCASA) is a main supporter of this bill and has been for the past 10 years. They will be joined by survivors, advocates and allies at the bill's signing.
