Iowa has become one of a dozen states to notify domestic violence victims when protective orders have been issued.
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Attorney General Tom Miller announced the program Tuesday, saying it's financed by a federal Department of Justice grant. Ongoing costs of $160,000 come from a state program funded by fines and penalties assessed against criminals.
Domestic abuse victims now may sign up with the state and receive automated phone call or email notifications when courts issue a protective order. That includes notification of when an order is about to expire.
Miller says the program's intent is to give victims peace of mind. Last year the Iowa Protective Order Notification for Domestic Abuse Program processed more than 15,000 protective and no-contact orders.
