Improving Safety and Privacy in Civil Protection Order Cases: In-Person and Virtual Court Considerations

Many victims of domestic violence seek court-ordered safety measures to prevent and mitigate violence and abuse in their lives. During the COVID-19 pandemic, courts implemented general safety measures for in-person hearings and expanded the use of virtual hearings to address public health concerns, but special considerations may be needed to ensure safety and privacy for litigants in cases involving abuse. To ensure safe and meaningful access to courts for victims of abuse, the court system should be responsive to the unique safety concerns abuse cases present. This publication discusses some of the considerations around safety and privacy for in-person and virtual civil protection order hearings.