As used in this chapter, unless the context otherwise requires:

1. “Attorney in fact” means an agent under a power of attorney pursuant to chapter 633B or an attorney in fact under a durable power of attorney for health care pursuant to chapter 144B.

2. “Caretaker” means a related or nonrelated person who has the responsibility for the protection, care, or custody of a vulnerable elder as a result of assuming the responsibility voluntarily, by contract, through employment, or by order of the court. “Caretaker” does not include a caretaker as defined in section 235E.1.

3. “Coercion” means communication or conduct which unduly compels a vulnerable elder to act or refrain from acting against the vulnerable elder’s will and against the vulnerable elder’s best interests.

4. “Conservator” means the same as defined in section 633.3.

5. a. “Elder abuse” means any of the following:

(1) Physical injury to, or injury which is at a variance with the history given of the injury, or unreasonable confinement, unreasonable punishment, or assault of a vulnerable elder by a person not otherwise governed by chapter 235E.

(2) The commission of a sexual offense under chapter 709 or section 726.2 with or against a vulnerable elder.

(3) Neglect which is the deprivation of the minimum food, shelter, clothing, supervision, or physical or mental health care, or other care necessary to maintain a vulnerable elder’s life or health by a caretaker.

(4) Financial exploitation.

b. “Elder abuse” does not include any of the following:

(1) Circumstances in which the vulnerable elder declines medical treatment if the vulnerable elder holds a belief or is an adherent of a religion whose tenets and practices call for reliance on spiritual means in place of reliance on medical treatment.

(2) Circumstances in which the vulnerable elder’s caretaker, acting in accordance with the vulnerable elder’s stated or implied consent, declines medical treatment if the vulnerable elder holds a belief or is an adherent of a religion whose tenets and practices call for reliance on spiritual means in place of reliance on medical treatment.

(3) The withholding or withdrawing of health care from a vulnerable elder who is terminally ill in the opinion of a licensed physician, when the withholding or withdrawing of health care is done at the request of the vulnerable elder or at the request of the vulnerable elder’s next of kin, attorney in fact, or guardian pursuant to the applicable procedures under chapter 125, 144A, 144B, 222, 229, or 633.

(4) Good faith assistance by a family or household member or other person in managing the financial affairs of a vulnerable elder at the request of the vulnerable elder or at the request of a family member, guardian, or conservator of the vulnerable elder.

6. “Family or household member” means a spouse, a person cohabiting with the vulnerable elder, a parent, or a person related to the vulnerable elder by consanguinity or affinity, but does not include children of the vulnerable elder who are less than eighteen years of age.

7. “Fiduciary” means a person or entity with the legal responsibility to make decisions on behalf of and for the benefit of a vulnerable elder and to act in good faith and with fairness. “Fiduciary” includes but is not limited to an attorney in fact, a guardian, or a conservator.

8. “Financial exploitation” relative to a vulnerable elder means when a person stands in a position of trust or confidence with the vulnerable elder and knowingly and by undue influence, deception, coercion, fraud, or extortion, obtains control over or otherwise uses or diverts the benefits, property, resources, belongings, or assets of the vulnerable elder.

9. “Guardian” means the same as defined in section 633.3.

10. “Peace officer” means the same as defined in section 801.4.

11. “Plaintiff” means a vulnerable elder who files a petition under this chapter and includes a substitute petitioner who files a petition on behalf of a vulnerable elder under this chapter.

12. “Present danger of elder abuse” means a situation in which the defendant has recently threatened the vulnerable elder with initial or additional elder abuse, or the potential exists for misappropriation, misuse, or removal of the funds, benefits, property, resources, belongings, or assets of the vulnerable elder combined with reasonable grounds to believe that elder abuse is likely to occur.

13. “Pro se” means a person proceeding on the person’s own behalf without legal representation.

14. “Stands in a position of trust or confidence” means the person has any of the following relationships relative to the vulnerable elder:

a. Is a parent, spouse, adult child, or other relative by consanguinity or affinity of the vulnerable elder.

b. Is a caretaker for the vulnerable elder.

c. Is a person who is in a confidential relationship with the vulnerable elder. For the purposes of this paragraph “c”, a confidential relationship does not include a legal, fiduciary, or ordinary commercial or transactional relationship the vulnerable elder may have with a bank incorporated under the provisions of any state or federal law, any savings and loan association or savings bank incorporated under the provisions of any state or federal law, any credit union organized under the provisions of any state or federal law, any attorney licensed to practice law in this state, or any agent, agency, or company regulated under chapter 505, 508, 515, or 543B.

15. “Substitute petitioner” means a family or household member, guardian, conservator, attorney in fact, or guardian ad litem for a vulnerable elder, or other interested person who files a petition under this chapter.

16. “Undue influence” means taking advantage of a person’s role, relationship, or authority to improperly change or obtain control over the actions or decision making of a vulnerable elder against the vulnerable elder’s best interests.17. “Vulnerable elder” means a person sixty years of age or older who is unable to protect himself or herself from elder abuse as a result of a mental or physical condition or because of a personal circumstance which results in an increased risk of harm to the person.

1. Not less than five and not more than fifteen days after commencing a proceeding and upon notice to the other party, a hearing shall be held at which the plaintiff must prove the allegation of elder abuse by a preponderance of the evidence.
2. The court may enter any temporary order it deems necessary to protect the vulnerable elder from elder abuse prior to the hearing, upon good cause shown in an ex parte proceeding. Present danger of elder abuse constitutes good cause for purposes of this subsection.
3. If a hearing is continued, the court may make or extend any temporary order under subsection 2 that it deems necessary.
4. Upon application of a party, the court shall issue subpoenas requiring attendance and testimony of witnesses and production of papers.
5. The court shall advise the defendant of a right to be represented by counsel of the defendant’s choosing and to have a continuance to secure counsel.
6. At the hearing, the allegation of elder abuse may be proven as required under subsection 1 by but is not limited to the testimony from any of the following:
a. The vulnerable elder.
b. The guardian, conservator, attorney in fact, or guardian ad litem of the vulnerable elder.
c. Witnesses to the elder abuse.
d. Adult protective services workers who have conducted an investigation.
7. The court shall exercise its discretion in a manner that protects the vulnerable elder from traumatic confrontation with the defendant.
8. Hearings shall be recorded.

1. When the court is unavailable from the close of business at the end of the day or week to the resumption of business at the beginning of the day or week, a petition may be filed before a district judge, or district associate judge designated by the chief judge of the judicial district, who may grant emergency relief in accordance with section 235F.6, subsection 1 or 2, if the district judge or district associate judge deems it necessary to protect the vulnerable elder from elder abuse, upon good cause shown in an ex parte proceeding. Present danger of elder abuse constitutes good cause for purposes of this subsection.
2. An emergency order issued under subsection 1 shall expire seventy-two hours after issuance. When the order expires, the plaintiff may seek a temporary order from the court pursuant to section 235F.5.
3. A petition filed and emergency order issued under this section and any documentation in support of the petition and order shall be immediately certified to the court. The certification shall commence a proceeding for purposes of section 235F.2.

This chapter may be cited as the “Domestic Abuse Act”.

1. A person, including a parent or guardian on behalf of an unemancipated minor, may seek relief from domestic abuse by filing a verified petition in the district court. Venue shall lie where either party resides. The petition shall state the:
a. Name of the plaintiff and the name and address of the plaintiff’s attorney, if any. If the plaintiff is proceeding pro se, the petition shall state a mailing address for the plaintiff. A mailing address may be provided by the plaintiff pursuant to section 236.10.
b. Name and address of the parent or guardian filing the petition, if the petition is being filed on behalf of an unemancipated minor. A mailing address may be provided by the plaintiff pursuant to section 236.10.
c. Name and address, if known, of the defendant.
d. Relationship of the plaintiff to the defendant.
e. Nature of the alleged domestic abuse.
f. Name and age of each child under eighteen whose welfare may be affected by the controversy.
g. Name or description of any pet or companion animal owned, possessed, leased, kept, or held by the petitioner, respondent, or minor child of the petitioner or respondent whose welfare may be affected by the controversy. However, this paragraph shall not apply to livestock as defined in section 717.1, held solely or primarily for commercial purposes.
h. Desired relief, including a request for temporary or emergency orders.
2. A temporary or emergency order shall be based on a showing of a prima facie case of domestic abuse. If the factual basis for the alleged domestic abuse is contested, the court shall issue a protective order based upon a finding of domestic abuse by a preponderance of the evidence.
3. a. The filing fee and court costs for an order for protection and in a contempt action under this chapter shall be waived for the plaintiff.
b. The clerk of court, the sheriff of any county in this state, and other law enforcement and corrections officers shall perform their duties relating to service of process without charge to the plaintiff. When an order for protection is entered by the court, the court may direct the defendant to pay to the clerk of court the fees for the filing of the petition and reasonable costs of service of process if the court determines the defendant has the ability to pay the plaintiff’s fees and costs. In lieu of personal service of an order for protection issued pursuant to this section, the sheriff of any county in this state, and other law enforcement and corrections officers may serve a defendant with a short-form notification pursuant to section 664A.4A.
4. If the person against whom relief from domestic abuse is being sought is seventeen years of age or younger, the district court shall waive its jurisdiction over the action to the juvenile court.

A county attorney’s office may provide assistance to a person wishing to initiate proceedings pursuant to this chapter or to a plaintiff at any stage of a proceeding under this chapter, if the individual does not have sufficient funds to pay for legal assistance and if the assistance does not create a conflict of interest for the county attorney’s office. The assistance provided may include, but is not limited to, assistance in obtaining or completing forms, filing a petition or other necessary pleading, presenting evidence to the court, and enforcing the orders of the court entered pursuant to this chapter. Providing assistance pursuant to this section shall not be considered the private practice of law for the purposes of section 331.752.

1. Upon a finding that the defendant has engaged in domestic abuse:

a. The court may order that the plaintiff, the defendant, and the children who are members of the household receive professional counseling, either from a private source approved by the court or from a source appointed by the court. Costs of counseling shall be paid in full or in part by the parties and taxed as court costs. If the court determines that the parties are unable to pay the costs, they may be paid in full or in part from the county treasury.

b. The court may grant a protective order which may contain but is not limited to any of the following provisions:

(1) That the defendant cease domestic abuse of the plaintiff.

(2) That the defendant not knowingly possess, ship, transport, or receive firearms, offensive weapons, and ammunition in violation of section 724.26, subsection 2.

(3) That the defendant grant possession of the residence to the plaintiff to the exclusion of the defendant or that the defendant provide suitable alternate housing for the plaintiff.

(4) That the defendant stay away from the plaintiff’s residence, school, or place of employment.

(5) The awarding of temporary custody of or establishing temporary visitation rights with regard to children under eighteen.

(a) In awarding temporary custody or temporary visitation rights, the court shall give primary consideration to the safety of the victim and the children.

(b) If the court finds that the safety of the victim or the children will be jeopardized by unsupervised or unrestricted visitation, the court shall condition or restrict visitation as to time, place, duration, or supervision, or deny visitation entirely, as needed to guard the safety of the victim and the children.

(c) The court shall also determine whether any other existing orders awarding custody or visitation rights should be modified.

(d) Prior to entry of an order or agreement under this section that involves a child-custody determination as defined in section 598B.102, the parties shall furnish information to the court in compliance with section 598B.209.

(6) Unless prohibited pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 1738B, that the defendant pay the clerk a sum of money for the separate support and maintenance of the plaintiff and children under eighteen.

(7) A grant to the petitioner of the exclusive care, possession, or control of any pets or companion animals owned, possessed, leased, kept, or held by the petitioner, respondent, or minor child of the petitioner or respondent whose welfare may be affected by the controversy. The court may forbid the respondent from approaching, taking, transferring, encumbering, concealing, molesting, attacking, striking, threatening, harming, or otherwise disposing of the pet or companion animal. This subparagraph shall not apply to livestock as defined in section 717.1, held solely or primarily for commercial purposes.

1A. The court may approve a consent agreement which may contain but is not limited to any of the provisions specified in subsection 1, paragraph “b”, without a finding the defendant has engaged in domestic abuse.

2. An order for counseling, a protective order, or approved consent agreement shall be for a fixed period of time not to exceed one year. The court may amend or extend its order or a consent agreement at any time upon a petition filed by either party and after notice and hearing. The court may extend the order if the court, after hearing at which the defendant has the opportunity to be heard, finds that the defendant continues to pose a threat to the safety of the victim, persons residing with the victim, or members of the victim’s immediate family. At the time of the extension, the parties need not meet the requirement in section 236.2, subsection 2, paragraph “d”, that the parties lived together during the last year if the parties met the requirements of section 236.2, subsection 2, paragraph “d”, at the time of the original order. The number of extensions that can be granted by the court is not limited.

3. The order shall state whether a person is to be taken into custody by a peace officer for a violation of the terms stated in the order.

4. The court may order that the defendant pay the plaintiff’s attorney fees and court costs.

5. An order or consent agreement under this section shall not affect title to real property.

6. A copy of any order or approved consent agreement shall be issued to the plaintiff, the defendant, the county sheriff of the county in which the order or consent decree is initially entered, and the twenty-four-hour dispatcher for the county sheriff. Any subsequent amendment or revocation of an order or consent agreement shall be forwarded by the clerk to all individuals and the county sheriff previously notified.

7. The clerk shall notify the county sheriff and the twenty-four-hour dispatcher for the county sheriff in writing so that the county sheriff and the county sheriff’s dispatcher receive written notice within six hours of filing the order, approved consent agreement, amendment, or revocation. The clerk may fulfill this requirement by sending the notice by facsimile or other electronic transmission which reproduces the notice in writing within six hours of filing the order.8. The county sheriff’s dispatcher shall notify all law enforcement agencies having jurisdiction over the matter and the twenty-four-hour dispatcher for the law enforcement agencies upon notification by the clerk.

1. A proceeding under this chapter shall be held in accordance with the rules of civil procedure, except as otherwise set forth in this chapter and in chapter 664A, and is in addition to any other civil or criminal remedy.

2. The plaintiff’s right to relief under this chapter is not affected by leaving the residence or household to avoid domestic abuse.

1. A person seeking relief from domestic abuse under this chapter may use any of the following addresses as a mailing address for purposes of filing a petition under this chapter, as well as for the purpose of obtaining any utility or other service:

a. The mailing address of a shelter or other agency.

b. A public or private post office box.

c. Any other mailing address, with the permission of the resident of that address.

2. A person shall report any change of address, whether designated according to subsection 1 or otherwise, to the clerk of court no more than five days after the previous address on record becomes invalid.

3. The entire file or a portion of the file in a domestic abuse case shall be sealed by the clerk of court as ordered by the court to protect the privacy interest or safety of any person.

4. Notwithstanding subsection 3, court orders and support payment records shall remain public records, although the court may order that address and location information be redacted from the public records.

1. If a peace officer has reason to believe that domestic abuse has occurred, the officer shall use all reasonable means to prevent further abuse including but not limited to the following:

a. If requested, remaining on the scene as long as there is a danger to an abused person’s physical safety without the presence of a peace officer, including but not limited to staying in the dwelling unit, or if unable to remain on the scene, assisting the person in leaving the residence.

b. Assisting an abused person in obtaining medical treatment necessitated by an assault, including providing assistance to the abused person in obtaining transportation to the emergency room of the nearest hospital.

c. Providing an abused person with immediate and adequate notice of the person’s rights. The notice shall consist of handing the person a document that includes the telephone numbers of shelters, support groups, and crisis lines operating in the area and contains the following statement of rights written in English and Spanish; asking the person to read the document; and asking whether the person understands the rights:

[1] You have the right to ask the court for the following help on a temporary basis:

[a] Keeping your attacker away from you, your home and your place of work.

[b] The right to stay at your home without interference from your attacker.

[c] Getting custody of children and obtaining support for yourself and your minor children if your attacker is legally required to provide such support.

[d] Professional counseling for you, the children who are members of the household, and the defendant.

[2] You have the right to seek help from the court to seek a protective order with or without the assistance of legal representation. You have the right to seek help from the courts without the payment of court costs if you do not have sufficient funds to pay the costs.

[3] You have the right to file criminal charges for threats, assaults, or other related crimes.

[4] You have the right to seek restitution against your attacker for harm to yourself or your property.

[5] If you are in need of medical treatment, you have the right to request that the officer present assist you in obtaining transportation to the nearest hospital or otherwise assist you.

[6] If you believe that police protection is needed for your physical safety, you have the right to request that the officer present remain at the scene until you and other affected parties can leave or until safety is otherwise ensured.

2. a. A peace officer may, with or without a warrant, arrest a person under section 708.2A, subsection 2, paragraph “a”, if, upon investigation, including a reasonable inquiry of the alleged victim and other witnesses, if any, the officer has probable cause to believe that a domestic abuse assault has been committed which did not result in any injury to the alleged victim.

b. Except as otherwise provided in subsection 3, a peace officer shall, with or without a warrant, arrest a person under section 708.2A, subsection 2, paragraph “b”, if, upon investigation, including a reasonable inquiry of the alleged victim and other witnesses, if any, the officer has probable cause to believe that a domestic abuse assault has been committed which resulted in the alleged victim’s suffering a bodily injury.

c. Except as otherwise provided in subsection 3, a peace officer shall, with or without a warrant, arrest a person under section 708.2A, subsection 2, paragraph “c”, if, upon investigation, including a reasonable inquiry of the alleged victim and other witnesses, if any, the officer has probable cause to believe that a domestic abuse assault has been committed with the intent to inflict a serious injury.

d. Except as otherwise provided in subsection 3, a peace officer shall, with or without a warrant, arrest a person under section 708.2A, subsection 2, paragraph “c”, if, upon investigation, including a reasonable inquiry of the alleged victim and other witnesses, if any, the officer has probable cause to believe that a domestic abuse assault has been committed and that the alleged abuser used or displayed a dangerous weapon in connection with the assault.

e. Except as otherwise provided in subsection 3, a peace officer shall, with or without a warrant, arrest a person under section 708.2A, subsection 2, paragraph “d”, if, upon investigation, including a reasonable inquiry of the alleged victim and other witnesses, if any, the officer has probable cause to believe that a domestic abuse assault has been committed by knowingly impeding the normal breathing or circulation of the blood of another by applying pressure to the throat or neck of the other person or by obstructing the nose or mouth of the other person.

f. Except as otherwise provided in subsection 3, a peace officer shall, with or without a warrant, arrest a person under section 708.2A, subsection 5, if, upon investigation, including a reasonable inquiry of the alleged victim and other witnesses, if any, the officer has probable cause to believe that a domestic abuse assault has been committed by knowingly impeding the normal breathing or circulation of the blood of another by applying pressure to the throat or neck of the other person or by obstructing the nose or mouth of the other person, and causing bodily injury.

3. As described in subsection 2, paragraph “b”, “c”, “d”, “e”, or “f”, the peace officer shall arrest the person whom the peace officer believes to be the primary physical aggressor. The duty of the officer to arrest extends only to those persons involved who are believed to have committed an assault. Persons acting with justification, as defined in section 704.3, are not subject to mandatory arrest. In identifying the primary physical aggressor, a peace officer shall consider the need to protect victims of domestic abuse, the relative degree of injury or fear inflicted on the persons involved, and any history of domestic abuse between the persons involved. A peace officer’s identification of the primary physical aggressor shall not be based on the consent of the victim to any subsequent prosecution or on the relationship of the persons involved in the incident, and shall not be based solely upon the absence of visible indications of injury or impairment.

4. A peace officer is not civilly or criminally liable for actions pursuant to this section taken in good faith.

Upon receipt of state or federal funding designated for victims of domestic abuse by the department, a public or private nonprofit organization may apply to the department for designation and funding as a provider of emergency shelter services and support services to victims of domestic abuse or sexual assault. The application shall be submitted on a form prescribed by the department and shall include, but not be limited to, information regarding services to be provided, budget, and security measures.

The department, in cooperation with victim service providers, shall work with various professional organizations to encourage organizations to establish training programs for professionals who work in the area of domestic abuse prevention and services. Domestic abuse training may include, but is not limited to, the following areas:

1. The enforcement of both civil and criminal remedies in domestic abuse matters.

2. The nature, extent, and causes of domestic abuse.

3. The legal rights and remedies available to domestic abuse victims, including crime victim compensation.

4. Services available to domestic abuse victims and their children, including the domestic abuse telephone hotline.

5. The mandatory arrest provisions of section 236.12, and other duties of peace officers pursuant to this chapter.

6. Techniques for intervention in domestic abuse cases.

1. As used in this section, “foreign protective order” means a protective order entered by a court of another state, Indian tribe, or United States territory that would be an order or court-approved consent agreement entered under this chapter, a temporary or permanent protective order or order to vacate the homestead under chapter 598, or an order that establishes conditions of release or is a protective order or sentencing order in a criminal prosecution arising from a domestic abuse assault if it had been entered in Iowa.

2. A certified or authenticated copy of a permanent foreign protective order may be filed with the clerk of the district court in any county that would have venue if the original action was being commenced in this state or in which the person in whose favor the order was entered may be present.

a. The clerk shall file foreign protective orders that are not certified or authenticated, if supported by an affidavit of a person with personal knowledge, subject to the penalties for perjury. The person protected by the order may provide this affidavit.

b. The clerk shall provide copies of the order as required by section 236.5, except that notice shall not be provided to the respondent without the express written direction of the person in whose favor the order was entered.

3. a. A valid foreign protective order has the same effect and shall be enforced in the same manner as a protective order issued in this state whether or not filed with a clerk of court or otherwise placed in a registry of protective orders.

b. A foreign protective order is valid if it meets all of the following:

(1) The order states the name of the protected individual and the individual against whom enforcement is sought.

(2) The order has not expired.

(3) The order was issued by a court or tribunal that had jurisdiction over the parties and subject matter under the law of the foreign jurisdiction.

(4) The order was issued in accordance with the respondent’s due process rights, either after the respondent was provided with reasonable notice and an opportunity to be heard before the court or tribunal that issued the order, or in the case of an ex parte order, the respondent was granted notice and opportunity to be heard within a reasonable time after the order was issued.

c. Proof that a foreign protective order failed to meet all of the factors listed in paragraph “b” shall be an affirmative defense in any action seeking enforcement of the order.

4. A peace officer shall treat a foreign protective order as a valid legal document and shall make an arrest for a violation of the foreign protective order in the same manner that a peace officer would make an arrest for a violation of a protective order issued within this state.

a. The fact that a foreign protective order has not been filed with the clerk of court or otherwise placed in a registry shall not be grounds to refuse to enforce the terms of the order unless it is apparent to the officer that the order is invalid on its face.

b. A peace officer acting reasonably and in good faith in connection with the enforcement of a foreign protective order shall be immune from civil and criminal liability in any action arising in connection with such enforcement.

5. Filing and service costs in connection with foreign protective orders are waived as provided in section 236.3.

1. A person, including a parent or guardian on behalf of an unemancipated minor, may seek relief from sexual abuse by filing a verified petition in the district court. Venue shall lie where either the plaintiff or defendant resides. The petition shall state the following:
a. Name of the plaintiff and the name and address of the plaintiff’s attorney, if any. If the plaintiff is proceeding pro se, the petition shall state a mailing address for the plaintiff. A mailing address may be provided by the plaintiff pursuant to section 236A.11.
b. Name and address of the parent or guardian filing the petition, if the petition is being filed on behalf of an unemancipated minor. A mailing address may be provided by the plaintiff pursuant to section 236A.11.
c. Name and address, if known, of the defendant.
d. Nature of the alleged sexual abuse.
e. Name and age of each child under eighteen whose welfare may be affected by the controversy.
f. Desired relief, including a request for temporary or emergency orders.
2. A temporary or emergency order shall be based on a showing of a prima facie case of sexual abuse. If the factual basis for the alleged sexual abuse is contested, the court shall issue a protective order based upon a finding of sexual abuse by a preponderance of the evidence.
3. a. The filing fee and court costs for an order for protection and in a contempt action under this chapter shall be waived for the plaintiff.
b. The clerk of court, the sheriff of any county in this state, and other law enforcement and corrections officers shall perform their duties relating to service of process without charge to the plaintiff. When an order for protection is entered by the court, the court may direct the defendant to pay to the clerk of court the fees for the filing of the petition and reasonable costs of service of process if the court determines the defendant has the ability to pay the plaintiff’s fees and costs. In lieu of personal service of an order for protection issued pursuant to this section, the sheriff of any county in this state and other law enforcement and corrections officers may serve a defendant with a short-form notification pursuant to section 664A.4A.
4. If the person against whom relief from sexual abuse is being sought is seventeen years of age or younger, the district court shall waive its jurisdiction over the action to the juvenile court.

A county attorney’s office may provide assistance to a person wishing to initiate proceedings pursuant to this chapter or to a plaintiff at any stage of a proceeding under this chapter, if the person or plaintiff does not have sufficient funds to pay for legal assistance and if the assistance does not create a conflict of interest for the county attorney’s office. The assistance provided may include but is not limited to assistance in obtaining or completing forms, filing a petition or other necessary pleading, presenting evidence to the court, and enforcing the orders of the court entered pursuant to this chapter. Providing assistance pursuant to this section shall not be considered the private practice of law for the purposes of section 331.752.

1. Upon a finding that the defendant has engaged in sexual abuse, the court may grant a protective order which may contain but is not limited to any of the following provisions:

a. That the defendant cease sexual abuse of the plaintiff.

b. That the defendant stay away from the plaintiff’s residence, school, or place of employment.

1A. The court may approve a consent agreement without a finding that the defendant has engaged in sexual abuse, which may contain but is not limited to any of the provisions specified in subsection 1.

2. An order for a protective order or approved consent agreement shall be for a fixed period of time not to exceed one year. The court may amend or extend its order or a consent agreement at any time upon a petition filed by the plaintiff or defendant and after notice and hearing. The court may extend the order if the court, after hearing at which the defendant has the opportunity to be heard, finds that the defendant continues to pose a threat to the safety of the plaintiff, persons residing with the plaintiff, or members of the plaintiff’s immediate family. The number of extensions that can be granted by the court is not limited.

3. The order shall state whether the defendant is to be taken into custody by a peace officer for a violation of the terms stated in the order.

4. The court may order that the defendant pay the plaintiff’s attorney fees and court costs.

5. An order or consent agreement under this section shall not affect title to real property.

6. A copy of any order or approved consent agreement shall be issued to the plaintiff, the defendant, the county sheriff of the county in which the order or consent decree is initially entered, and the twenty-four-hour dispatcher for the county sheriff. Any subsequent amendment or revocation of an order or consent agreement shall be forwarded by the clerk to all persons and the county sheriff previously notified.

7. The clerk shall notify the county sheriff and the twenty-four-hour dispatcher for the county sheriff in writing so that the county sheriff and the county sheriff’s dispatcher receive written notice within six hours of filing the order, approved consent agreement, amendment, or revocation. The clerk may fulfill this requirement by sending the notice by facsimile or other electronic transmission which reproduces the notice in writing within six hours of filing the order.8. The county sheriff’s dispatcher shall notify all law enforcement agencies having jurisdiction over the matter and the twenty-four-hour dispatcher for the law enforcement agencies upon notification by the clerk.

1. A plaintiff seeking relief from sexual abuse under this chapter may use any of the following addresses as a mailing address for purposes of filing a petition under this chapter, as well as for the purpose of obtaining any utility or other service:

a. The mailing address of a shelter or other agency.

b. A public or private post office box.

c. Any other mailing address, with the permission of the resident of that address.

2. A plaintiff shall report any change of address, whether designated according to subsection 1 or otherwise, to the clerk of court no more than five days after the previous address on record becomes invalid.

3. The entire file or a portion of the file in a sexual abuse case shall be sealed by the clerk of court as ordered by the court to protect the privacy interest or safety of any person.4. Notwithstanding subsection 3, court orders and support payment records shall remain public records, although the court may order that address and location information be redacted from the public records.

1. If a peace officer has reason to believe that sexual abuse has occurred, the officer shall use all reasonable means to prevent further abuse including but not limited to the following:

a. If requested, remaining on the scene as long as there is a danger to an abused person’s physical safety without the presence of a peace officer, including but not limited to staying in the dwelling unit, or if unable to remain on the scene, assisting the person in leaving the residence.

b. Assisting an abused person in obtaining medical treatment necessitated by an assault, including providing assistance to the abused person in obtaining transportation to the emergency room of the nearest hospital.

c. Providing an abused person with immediate and adequate notice of the person’s rights. The notice shall consist of handing the person a document that includes the telephone numbers of shelters, support groups, and crisis lines operating in the area and contains the following statement of rights written in English and Spanish; asking the person to read the document; and asking whether the person understands the rights:

[1] You have the right to ask the court for the following help on a temporary basis:

[a] Keeping your attacker away from you, your home, and your place of work.

[b] The right to stay at your home without interference from your attacker.

[2] You have the right to seek help from the court to seek a protective order with or without the assistance of legal representation. You have the right to seek help from the courts without the payment of court costs if you do not have sufficient funds to pay the costs.

[3] You have the right to file criminal complaints for threats, assaults, or other related crimes.

[4] You have the right to seek restitution against your attacker for harm to yourself or your property.

[5] If you are in need of medical treatment, you have the right to request that the officer present assist you in obtaining transportation to the nearest hospital or otherwise assist you.

[6] If you believe that police protection is needed for your physical safety, you have the right to request that the officer present remain at the scene until you and other affected persons can leave or until safety is otherwise ensured.2. A peace officer is not civilly or criminally liable for actions pursuant to this section taken reasonably and in good faith.

1. The petition for dissolution of marriage shall:

a. State the name, birth date, address and county of residence of the petitioner and the name and address of the petitioner’s attorney.

b. State the place and date of marriage of the parties.

c. State the name, birth date, address and county of residence, if known, of the respondent.

d. State the name and age of each minor child by date of birth whose welfare may be affected by the controversy.

e. State whether or not a separate action for dissolution of marriage or child support has been commenced and whether such action is pending in any court in this state or elsewhere. State whether the entry of an order would violate 28 U.S.C. § 1738B. If there is an existing child support order, the party shall disclose identifying information regarding the order.

f. Allege that the petition has been filed in good faith and for the purposes set forth therein.

g. Allege that there has been a breakdown of the marriage relationship to the extent that the legitimate objects of matrimony have been destroyed and there remains no reasonable likelihood that the marriage can be preserved.

h. Set forth any application for temporary support of the petitioner and any children without enumerating the amounts thereof.

i. Set forth any application for permanent alimony or support, child custody, or disposition of property, as well as attorney fees and suit money, without enumerating the amounts thereof.

j. State whether the appointment of a conciliator pursuant to section 598.16 may preserve the marriage.

k. Except where the respondent is a resident of this state and is served by personal service, state that the petitioner has been for the last year a resident of the state, specifying the county in which the petitioner has resided and the length of such residence in the state after deducting all absences from the state, and that the maintenance of the residence has been in good faith and not for the purpose of obtaining a dissolution of marriage only.

2. The petition shall be verified by the petitioner.

3. The allegations of the petition shall be established by competent evidence.

1. Criteria for determining support. Upon every judgment of annulment, dissolution, or separate maintenance, the court may grant an order requiring support payments to either party for a limited or indefinite length of time after considering all of the following:

a. The length of the marriage.

b. The age and physical and emotional health of the parties.

c. The distribution of property made pursuant to section 598.21.

d. The educational level of each party at the time of marriage and at the time the action is commenced.

e. The earning capacity of the party seeking maintenance, including educational background, training, employment skills, work experience, length of absence from the job market, responsibilities for children under either an award of custody or physical care, and the time and expense necessary to acquire sufficient education or training to enable the party to find appropriate employment.

f. The feasibility of the party seeking maintenance becoming self-supporting at a standard of living reasonably comparable to that enjoyed during the marriage, and the length of time necessary to achieve this goal.

g. The tax consequences to each party.

h. Any mutual agreement made by the parties concerning financial or service contributions by one party with the expectation of future reciprocation or compensation by the other party.

i. The provisions of an antenuptial agreement.

j. Other factors the court may determine to be relevant in an individual case.

2. Necessary content of order. Orders made pursuant to this section need mention only those factors relevant to the particular case for which the orders are made but shall contain the names, birth dates, addresses, and counties of residence of the petitioner and respondent.

1. “No-contact order” means a court order issued in a criminal proceeding requiring the defendant to have no contact with the alleged victim, persons residing with the alleged victim, or members of the alleged victim’s immediate family, and to refrain from harassing the alleged victim, persons residing with the alleged victim, or members of the alleged victim’s family.

2. “Protective order” means a protective order issued pursuant to chapter 232, a court order or court-approved consent agreement entered pursuant to this chapter or chapter 235F, a court order or court-approved consent agreement entered pursuant to chapter 236 or 236A, including a valid foreign protective order under section 236.19, subsection 3, or section 236A.19, subsection 3, a temporary or permanent protective order or order to vacate the homestead under chapter 598, or an order that establishes conditions of release or is a protective order or sentencing order in a criminal prosecution arising from a domestic abuse assault under section 708.2A or older individual assault under section 708.2D, or a civil injunction issued pursuant to section 915.22.3. “Victim” means a person who has suffered physical, emotional, or financial harm as a result of a public offense, as defined in section 701.2, committed in this state.

1. When a person is taken into custody for contempt proceedings pursuant to section 236.11, taken into custody pursuant to section 236A.12, or arrested for any public offense referred to in section 664A.2, subsection 1, and the person is brought before a magistrate for initial appearance, the magistrate shall enter a no-contact order if the magistrate finds both of the following:

a. Probable cause exists to believe that any public offense referred to in section 664A.2, subsection 1, or a violation of a no-contact order, protective order, or consent agreement has occurred.

b. The presence of or contact with the defendant poses a threat to the safety of the alleged victim, persons residing with the alleged victim, or members of the alleged victim’s family.

2. Notwithstanding chapters 804 and 805, a person taken into custody pursuant to section 236.11 or 236A.12 or arrested pursuant to section 236.12, 709.2, 709.3, or 709.4 may be released on bail or otherwise only after initial appearance before a magistrate as provided in chapter 804 and the rules of criminal procedure or section 236.11 or 236A.12, whichever is applicable.

3. A no-contact order issued pursuant to this section shall be issued in addition to any other conditions of release imposed by a magistrate pursuant to section 811.2. The no-contact order has force and effect until it is modified or terminated by subsequent court action in a contempt proceeding or criminal or juvenile court action and is reviewable in the manner prescribed in section 811.2. Upon final disposition of the criminal or juvenile court action, the court shall terminate or modify the no-contact order pursuant to section 664A.5.

4. A no-contact order requiring the defendant to have no contact with the alleged victim’s children shall prevail over any existing order which may be in conflict with the no-contact order.

5. A no-contact order issued pursuant to this section shall restrict the defendant from having contact with the victim, persons residing with the victim, or the victim’s immediate family.6. A no-contact order issued pursuant to this section shall specifically include notice that the person may be required to relinquish all firearms, offensive weapons, and ammunition upon the issuance of a permanent no-contact order pursuant to section 664A.5.

1. In lieu of personal service of a no-contact order or a protective order on a person whose activities are restrained by the order, a sheriff of any county in this state or any peace officer or corrections officer in this state may serve the person with a short-form notification pursuant to this section to effectuate service of an unserved no-contact order or protective order.

2. Service of a short-form notification under this section shall be allowed during traffic stops and other contacts with the person by a sheriff, peace officer, or corrections officer in this state in the course of performing official duties. The person may be detained for a reasonable period of time to complete the short-form notification process.

3. When the short-form notification process is complete, the sheriff, peace officer, or corrections officer serving the notification shall file a copy of the notification with the clerk of the district court. The filing shall indicate the date and time the notification was served on the person.

4. The short-form notification shall be on a form prescribed by the state court administrator. The state court administrator shall prescribe rules relating to the content and distribution of the form to appropriate law enforcement agencies in this state. The form shall include but not be limited to all of the following statements:

a. The person shall have no contact with the protected party.

b. The person is responsible for obtaining a full copy of the no-contact order or the protective order from the county sheriff of the county in which the order was entered or from the clerk of the district court.

c. The terms and conditions of the no-contact order or protective order are enforceable, and the person is subject to arrest for violating the no-contact order or the protective order.

1. If a peace officer has probable cause to believe that a person has violated a no-contact order issued under this chapter, the peace officer shall take the person into custody and shall take the person without unnecessary delay before the nearest or most accessible magistrate in the judicial district in which the person was taken into custody.

2. If the peace officer is investigating a domestic abuse assault pursuant to section 708.2A, the officer shall also comply with sections 236.11 and 236.12.

3. A peace officer shall not be held civilly or criminally liable for acting pursuant to this section provided the peace officer acts in good faith and on reasonable grounds and the peace officer’s acts do not constitute a willful or wanton disregard for the rights or safety of another.

Upon the filing of an application by the state or by the victim of any public offense referred to in section 664A.2, subsection 1 which is filed within ninety days prior to the expiration of a modified no-contact order, the court shall modify and extend the no-contact order for an additional period of five years, unless the court finds that the defendant no longer poses a threat to the safety of the victim, persons residing with the victim, or members of the victim’s family. The number of modifications extending the no-contact order permitted by this section is not limited.

1. An assault as defined in this section is a general intent crime.
 

2. A person commits an assault when, without justification, the person does any of the following:
 

a. Any act which is intended to cause pain or injury to, or which is intended to result in physical contact which will be insulting or offensive to another, coupled with the apparent ability to execute the act.
 

b. Any act which is intended to place another in fear of immediate physical contact which will be painful, injurious, insulting, or offensive, coupled with the apparent ability to execute the act.
 

c. Intentionally points any firearm toward another, or displays in a threatening manner any dangerous weapon toward another.
 

d. (1) (a) Intentionally points a laser emitting a visible light beam toward another person with the intent to cause pain or injury to another, or toward an aircraft.
 

(b) For purposes of this subparagraph (1):
 

(i) “Aircraft” means any contrivance intended for and capable of transporting persons through the airspace.
 

(ii) “Laser” means a device that emits a visible light beam amplified by the stimulated emission of radiation and any light which simulates the appearance of a laser.
 

(2) This paragraph does not apply to any of the following:
 

(a) A law enforcement officer who uses a laser in discharging or attempting to discharge the officer’s official duties.
 

(b) A health care professional who uses a laser in providing services within the scope of practice of that professional or any other person who is licensed or authorized by law to use a laser or who uses a laser in the performance of the person’s official duties.
 

(c) A person who uses a laser to play laser tag, paintball, and other similar games using light-emitting diode technology.
 

3. An act described in subsection 2 shall not be an assault under the following circumstances:
 

a. If the person doing any of the enumerated acts, and such other person, are voluntary participants in a sport, social or other activity, not in itself criminal, and such act is a reasonably foreseeable incident of such sport or activity, and does not create an unreasonable risk of serious injury or breach of the peace.
 

b. If the person doing any of the enumerated acts is employed by a school district or accredited nonpublic school, or is an area education agency staff member who provides services to a school or school district, and intervenes in a fight or physical struggle, or other disruptive situation, that takes place in the presence of the employee or staff member performing employment duties in a school building, on school grounds, or at an official school function regardless of the location, whether the fight or physical struggle or other disruptive situation is between students or other individuals, if the degree and the force of the intervention is reasonably necessary to restore order and to protect the safety of those assembled.

1. As used in this section, “district department” means a judicial district department of correctional services, established pursuant to section 904.104A.
 

2. A person convicted of, or receiving a deferred judgment for, domestic abuse assault as defined in section 708.2A, shall report to the district department in order to participate in a batterers’ treatment program for domestic abuse offenders. In addition, a person convicted of, or receiving a deferred judgment for, an assault, as defined in section 708.1, which is domestic abuse, as defined in section 236.2, subsection 2, paragraph “e”, may be ordered by the court to participate in a batterers’ treatment program. Participation in the batterers’ treatment program shall not require a person to be placed on probation, but a person on probation may participate in the program.
 

3. The district departments may contract for services in completing the duties relating to the batterers’ treatment programs. The district departments shall assess the fees for participation in the program, and shall either collect or contract for the collection of the fees to recoup the costs of treatment, but may waive the fee or collect a lesser amount upon a showing of cause. The fees shall be used by each of the district departments or contract service providers for the establishment, administration, coordination, and provision of direct services of the batterers’ treatment programs.
 

4. District departments or contract service providers shall receive upon request peace officers’ investigative reports regarding persons participating in programs under this section. The receipt of reports under this section shall not waive the confidentiality of the reports under section 22.7.

1. As used in this section, unless the context otherwise requires:

a. “Accompanying offense” means any public offense committed as part of the course of conduct engaged in while committing the offense of stalking.

b. “Course of conduct” means repeatedly maintaining a visual or physical proximity to a person without legitimate purpose, repeatedly utilizing a technological device to locate, listen to, or watch a person without authorization or legitimate purpose, or repeatedly conveying oral or written threats, threats implied by conduct, or a combination thereof, directed at or toward a person.

c. “Immediate family member” means a spouse, parent, child, sibling, or any other person who regularly resides in the household of a specific person, or who within the prior six months regularly resided in the household of a specific person.

d. “Repeatedly” means on two or more occasions.

e. “Technological device” means any computer, cellular phone, smartphone, digital camera, video camera, audio recording device, global positioning device, or other electronic device that can be used for creating, storing, or transmitting information in the form of electronic data.

2. A person commits stalking when all of the following occur:

a. The person purposefully engages in a course of conduct directed at a specific person that would cause a reasonable person to feel terrorized, frightened, intimidated, or threatened or to fear that the person intends to cause bodily injury to, or the death of, that specific person or a member of the specific person’s immediate family.

b. The person has knowledge or should have knowledge that a reasonable person would feel terrorized, frightened, intimidated, or threatened or fear that the person intends to cause bodily injury to, or the death of, that specific person or a member of the specific person’s immediate family by the course of conduct.

3. a. A person who commits stalking in violation of this section commits a class “C” felony if any of the following apply:

(1) The person commits stalking while subject to restrictions contained in a criminal or civil protective order or injunction, or any other court order which prohibits contact between the person and the victim, or while subject to restrictions contained in a criminal or civil protective order or injunction, or any other court order which prohibits contact between the person and another person against whom the person has committed a public offense.

(2) The person commits stalking while in possession of a dangerous weapon, as defined in section 702.7.

(3) The person commits stalking by directing a course of conduct at a specific person who is under eighteen years of age.

(4) The person utilizes a technological device while committing stalking.

(5) For a third or subsequent offense.

b. A person who commits stalking in violation of this section commits a class “D” felony if the offense is a second offense which is not included in paragraph “a”.

c. A person who commits stalking in violation of this section commits an aggravated misdemeanor if the offense is a first offense which is not included in paragraph “a”.

4. Violations of this section and accompanying offenses shall be considered prior offenses for the purpose of determining whether an offense is a second or subsequent offense. A conviction for, deferred judgment for, or plea of guilty to a violation of this section or an accompanying offense which occurred at any time prior to the date of the violation charged shall be considered in determining that the violation charged is a second or subsequent offense. Deferred judgments pursuant to section 907.3 for violations of this section or accompanying offenses and convictions or the equivalent of deferred judgments for violations in any other states under statutes substantially corresponding to this section or accompanying offenses shall be counted as previous offenses. The courts shall judicially notice the statutes of other states which define offenses substantially equivalent to the offenses defined in this section and its accompanying offenses and can therefore be considered corresponding statutes. Each previous violation of this section or an accompanying offense on which conviction or deferral of judgment was entered prior to the date of the violation charged shall be considered and counted as a separate previous offense. In addition, however, accompanying offenses committed as part of the course of conduct engaged in while committing the violation of stalking charged shall be considered prior offenses for the purpose of that violation, even though the accompanying offenses occurred at approximately the same time. An offense shall be considered a second or subsequent offense regardless of whether it was committed upon the same person who was the victim of any other previous offense.

5. Notwithstanding section 804.1, rule of criminal procedure 2.7, Iowa court rules, or any other provision of law to the contrary, upon the filing of a complaint and a finding of probable cause to believe an offense has been committed in violation of this section, or after the filing of an indictment or information alleging a violation of this section, the court shall issue an arrest warrant, rather than a citation or summons. A peace officer shall not issue a citation in lieu of arrest for a violation of this section. Notwithstanding section 804.21 or any other provision of law to the contrary, a person arrested for stalking shall be immediately taken into custody and shall not be released pursuant to pretrial release guidelines, a bond schedule, or any similar device, until after the initial appearance before a magistrate. In establishing the conditions of release, the magistrate may consider the defendant’s prior criminal history, in addition to the other factors provided in section 811.2.

6. For purposes of determining whether or not the person should register as a sex offender pursuant to the provisions of chapter 692A, the fact finder shall make a determination as provided in section 692A.126.