Temporary protective orders will be available 24 hours a day to residents living in Southeast Washington, law enforcement officials announced Monday.
The District of Columbia launched the pilot program for domestic violence victims living in the 6th and 7th Police Districts.
Half of the city’s victims seeking protection orders each year live in those two police districts, according to Attorney General Linda Singer.
“Perpetrators of domestic violence do not confine themselves to business hours,” Singer said in a statement. “Domestic violence is a crime that happens 24 hours a day, seven days a week.”
Before, protection orders have only been available during business hours.
Victims in the 6th and 7th District can go to the police station where an assistant attorney will review the petition, and the Metropolitan Police will contact a Superior Court judge. The judge will speak with the victim before issuing the emergency order, which will remain in effect until the end of the next business day, allowing the victim time to file a temporary order.
