Juarez v. Juarez

In a far reaching case argued by NJP-Bellingham’s Mary Welch, the Court of Appeals (Div. III) ruled that failure to grant year-long domestic violence protection orders (DVPOs) is an abuse of discretion that fails to fulfill the legislative intent to provide safety for victims. The court stated: Short-term protection orders … require a victim of domestic violence to come to court multiple times to face her or his abuser. Prolonged court proceedings increase the risk of danger to a victim of domestic violence. Studies show an increased risk of homicide during extended…proceedings. Juarez v. Juarez, 195 Wn. App 880, 382 P. 3d 13 (2016).