{“featuredImages”:[{“title”:””,”description”:””,”url”:”http://www.clarkcountycourts.us/wp-content/uploads/8079_ribboncuttingtpo1-1.jpg”},{“title”:””,”description”:””,”url”:”http://www.clarkcountycourts.us/wp-content/uploads/8079_img_8046.jpg”},{“title”:””,”description”:””,”url”:”http://www.clarkcountycourts.us/wp-content/uploads/8079_img_8076.jpg”}],”content”:”

SafeNest and the Eighth Judicial District Court of Nevada have link up to offer remote protective order capabilities at the SafeNest office at 3900 Meadows Lane. Domestic violence survivors can file temporary protective order requests and appear remotely in Family Court via livestream.

The remote capability for requesting temporary protective orders and making appearances at SafeNest has advantages including:

  • Survivors don’t have to confront the abuser
  • It is easier to file extensions after 30-days
  • Those filing can bring children where they will be in a safe space that they won’t be exposed to the details of a hearing
  • A supportive staff is available to assist with filing

“The nice thing about being here at SafeNest is that the victims have advocates available to assist them through the process. It is also a nice, supportive environment,” said District Court Chief Judge Linda Bell.

SafeNest advocates will assist clients filing TPOs and support them during virtual hearings. The nonprofit has one full-time advocate and one volunteer assigned to the office. Liz Ortenburger, the nonprofit’s chief executive officer, announced that the new virtual office is part of the agency’s client care continuum, which includes counseling, shelter, and advocacy. “The new virtual TPO address one of our primary issues:  how can we better support kids not being in the hearing room,” said Liz Ortenburger.

SafeNest plans to get the word out on the remote temporary protective order capability through other agencies that assist survivors of domestic violence.

“I’m grateful domestic violence survivors have a place where they can go that they can bring their children,” said presiding Family Division Judge Rebecca Burton. “It’s nice to go somewhere where there are kind, supportive people and people who know what those requesting protective orders are going through.”

The Las Vegas Review-Journal reported in April that calls to domestic violence hotlines increased by 20 percent in 2020 in Southern Nevada. SafeNest received 19,117 domestic violence calls in 2020, up from 15,931 a year earlier.

“}