English
EspañolHow do I register my order of protection in the CNMI?
You will need to get a certified copy of your order of protection from the state or territory that granted it to you. You can then file it in the office of the Clerk of the Superior Court. Once you have done this, all of the protections listed in your order will be enforceable in the CNMI.1
1 8 CMC § 1924
Will the abuser be notified if I register my order of protection?
The federal Violence Against Women Act (VAWA), which applies to all U.S. states and territories, addresses this issue. VAWA says that the court cannot tell the abuser when you register or file your protective order in a new state or territory unless you specifically request that the abuser be notified.1 However, you may wish to check that the clerk is aware of this law before you register your order. You may want to be especially careful if your address is confidential.
Despite this law, it is still possible that the abuser could somehow find out where you are living. Continue to think about your safety, even if you no longer live in the same state or territory as the abuser. Our Safety Planning page has tips to get you started or build on what you are already doing. A local domestic violence organization can help you make a safety plan that works for you. You can find organizations on our Advocates and Shelters page.
1 18 U.S.C. § 2265(d)
