From the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Alaska Court System has continued to provide access to Alaskans to petition the courts for protection in domestic violence situations. We want everyone experiencing domestic violence to know that the court system is still open and accessible, and you can file documents by email and participate in hearings by phone. With some modifications, we have been able to continue domestic violence protective order hearings on a regular schedule.
Alaska’s communities have long experienced high rates of domestic violence. We realized the increased need for protective orders during this public health emergency, recognizing the associated physical and psychological isolation and the economic uncertainty so many people are experiencing.
We put emergency restrictions on physical access to court buildings to keep the public and court staff safe, but have always heard critical and emergency proceedings including domestic violence cases. Judicial officers and front-line court staff have rearranged their work environments and adopted new procedures to make this possible, including providing the option to participate in protective order hearings by phone. We have also devised safety procedures to help protect individuals who must come into courthouses. This has included putting a limit on the number of people who are allowed in hearings and waiting areas.
To reduce the possibility of transmitting the virus, we have been holding telephonic hearings as often as possible. People can file protective order petitions by email. They may also use an e-signature if it isn’t possible to print, sign, and scan a document. If it is impossible to find a notary, the signature notarization requirement is waived.
Details on these and other changes related to domestic violence cases are available on the court website at http://courts.alaska.gov/covid19/index.htm#faq. The website, as well as Facebook and Twitter, has updated information about changes in court operations and safety requirements.
In addition, our Family Law Self-Help Center remains active to individuals in protective order cases and provides one-on-one assistance over the phone and also has a detailed website. Center staff provides guidance about court processes and forms, as well as community-based domestic violence program resources statewide. Among the resources available are videos in several languages on the domestic violence protective order process.
With the upheaval of the pandemic, our commitment to provide access to Alaskans to seek the court’s protection and to resolve their disputes remains strong. If there is a positive side to the disruptions, our experience has provided a clear understanding of the importance of providing remote access to court proceedings and services. We believe the court system will emerge from this period even better equipped to serve Alaskans and provide access to justice.
Judge Jonathan Woodman serves on the Superior Court in Palmer.
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