Project EZ Pass will examine the following hypothetical: “A woman and her children are in the process of relocating, fleeing her abusive partner. They begin their trip in Maine and make their way through the states of the Northeast Region.” For the project, each state will identify “road blocks” in obtaining protection the woman and her children may face in their trip across the region.

Let’s call this fictional woman Michelle. Each state will review what they have to offer when Michelle and her children are confronted with the following challenges: 1) problems regarding service; 2) custody; 3) guns; 4) notification; 5) registry issue; 6) finding a contact person; 7) safety information and 8) definition of terms. We offer the following suggested questions, but each state may identify its unique issues.

Who would serve an out-of-state Order of Protection? Would they charge money?

Custody:

Has your state passed UCCJEA, allowing DV victims to file for custody in a refuge state?

Guns:

Does your state confiscate weapons?

Notification:

Will your state notify Ron if Michelle registers her out-of-state Order of Protection?

Registry:

Is your registry compatible with those in the other states? Will police check the DV registry?

Contact Person:

Who should the police call if they cannot decide whether or not Michelle’s Order was facially valid?

Safety Information:

What number should Michelle call for safety information and services? Where would she find contact names? Would she be eligible for services such as shelter and emergency assistance in your state?

Definition of Terms:

Does your state’s mandatory arrest policy apply to all intimate partners?