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BY JAN LaVALLEY
Rappahannock News Staff Writer
The new law enforcement requirements on domestic violence have already had repercussions in Rappahannock.
Sheriff Gary Settle said the protective order, part of the new law, has been the most difficult part of the law for people here having to deal with it so far.
The protective order is issued against the person deemed by law enforcement officials to be the aggressor at the scene. That person is restricted under the order from returning to the residence for 72 hours or until court convenes, whichever is later. In essence, Sheriff Settle said it means the person is banned from the home during that time period and the longer time will be recognized in lieu of the 72 hour period.
In Rappahannock, that could mean up to two weeks since Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court only convenes every two weeks and domestic violence cases can only be heard in that court.
Sheriff Settle said the order has already been violated in the county and they’re waiting to see what the court will rule on those cases.
He said another facet of the new law is that the person who still resides at home with the children, if there are children involved, can make the decision as to whether or not the spouse can have visitation with the children until such time as the court rules on the case.
Ib visit the children without permission to go on the property is a violation of the protective order.
Sheriff Settle said the law was written the way it is to address the problems with domestic violence in cities and more densely populated areas where J&D court convenes daily and the only period they would need to worry about would be over the weekend, or 72 hours.
And, the abuse can be physical, verbal, emotional, even stalking is covered under this new law. It’s not just for cases
See VIOLENCE, Page A6
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