Title VI, HUMAN SERVICES (Ch. 216 - 255A)

1. If a peace officer has reason to believe that sexual abuse has occurred, the officer shall use all reasonable means to prevent further abuse including but not limited to the following: a. If requested, remaining on the scene as long as there is a danger to an abused person’s p…

In a criminal action arising from sexual abuse, the prosecuting attorney or court shall not refer or order the parties involved to participate in mediation or other nonjudicial procedures prior to judicial resolution of the action. 2017 Acts, ch 121, §17

Upon receipt of state or federal funding designated for victims of sexual abuse by the department, a public or private nonprofit organization may apply to the department for designation and funding as a provider of emergency shelter services and support services to victims of sex…

1. The department shall do all of the following: a. Designate and award grants for existing and pilot programs pursuant to this chapter to provide emergency shelter services and support services to victims of sexual abuse. b. Design and implement a uniform method of collecting da…

The department, in cooperation with victim service providers, shall work with various professional organizations to encourage organizations to establish training programs for professionals who work in the area of sexual abuse prevention and services. Sexual abuse training may inc…

In addition to the provisions contained in this chapter , certain criminal penalties and provisions pertaining to sexual abuse are set forth in chapters 664A and 709 and sections 726.2 and 728.12 . 2017 Acts, ch 121, §21

1. As used in this section , “foreign protective order” means a protective order entered by a court of another state, Indian tribe, or United States territory that would be an order or court-approved consent agreement entered under this chapter , an order that establishes conditi…

For purposes of this chapter , unless a different meaning is clearly indicated by the context: 1. “Department” means the department of justice. 2. “Emergency shelter services” include but are not limited to secure crisis shelters or housing for victims of sexual abuse. 3. “Plaint…

A court in an action under this chapter shall not issue mutual protective orders against the victim and the abuser unless both file a petition requesting a protective order. 2017 Acts, ch 121, §23

1. A person, including a parent or guardian on behalf of an unemancipated minor, may seek relief from sexual abuse by filing a verified petition in the district court. Venue shall lie where either the plaintiff or defendant resides. The petition shall state the following: a. Name…

1. The department shall prescribe standard forms to be used by plaintiffs seeking protective orders by proceeding pro se in actions under this chapter . The standard forms shall include language in fourteen point boldface type. Standard forms prescribed by the department shall be…

A county attorney’s office may provide assistance to a person wishing to initiate proceedings pursuant to this chapter or to a plaintiff at any stage of a proceeding under this chapter , if the person or plaintiff does not have sufficient funds to pay for legal assistance and if …

1. Not less than five and not more than fifteen days after commencing a proceeding and upon notice to the defendant, a hearing shall be held at which the plaintiff must prove the allegation of sexual abuse by a preponderance of the evidence. 2. The court may enter any temporary o…

1. Upon a finding that the defendant has engaged in sexual abuse, the court may grant a protective order which may contain but is not limited to any of the following provisions: a. That the defendant cease sexual abuse of the plaintiff. b. That the defendant stay away from the pl…

1. When the court is unavailable from the close of business at the end of the day or week to the resumption of business at the beginning of the day or week, a petition may be filed before a district judge, or district associate judge designated by the chief judge of the judicial …

A proceeding under this chapter shall be held in accordance with the rules of civil procedure, except as otherwise set forth in this chapter and in chapter 664A , and is in addition to any other civil or criminal remedy. 2017 Acts, ch 121, §12 Referred to in §915.50