AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 10 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO INTERPERSONAL AND SEXUAL VIOLENCE IN THE MILITARY.

Military orders strengthen abuse victims' protection

Beginning January 1, 2027, Delaware strengthens protections for people facing domestic or sexual violence involving military protective orders. Qualifying orders are issued under federal law by commanding officers against people under their command. This includes the U.S. armed forces, Delaware National Guard, and other states' National Guards. Courts must give an existing military order significant weight in favor of granting immediate protection without the other party present. Repeated violations can support a court finding that justifies no-contact protection for as long as needed, including permanently. Changing that order requires a party's request and good cause. Police must arrest someone when they have probable cause to believe a covered protective order, including a military order, was violated. Orders can be shown in paper or electronic form. For suspected service-member violations of military orders registered in the FBI's national crime database, police must notify the agency that entered the order.