Who can file for a sexual violence protection order?
A sexual violence protection order can be requested by the victim, his/her lawyer, the prosecutor, or a law enforcement officer.1
The following people can also request the order on behalf of someone else in case of an emergency, if the person suffers from a physical or mental disability, or if there is another reason that prevents the person from requesting the order him/herself:
- a parent, family member, or person responsible for a minor;
- a school teacher, principal, or social worker;
- a prosecutor;
- a police officer;
- an advocate of Children’s Affairs (el/la Procurador/a de Menores);
- an advocate of Family Matters (el/la Procurador de Asuntos de Familia); or
- an officer authorized by the Department of Family Services.2
1 8 L.P.R.A. § 1281
2 8 L.P.R.A. § 1284