Can a protective order be enforced across state lines?

A protective order can indeed be enforced across state lines due to the provisions established under the Full Faith and Credit Act. This federal law requires that states recognize and enforce orders of protection issued by other states. This means that if a protective order is issued in one state, individuals can seek protection in another state, and law enforcement agencies are required to enforce the order just as they would enforce a local order.

This legal framework is critical in ensuring that victims of domestic violence are not left unprotected simply because they move to a different state. The ability to enforce these orders across state lines is vital for the safety and protection of individuals who might flee from an abusive situation. Unlike other options that suggest limitations on the enforcement of protective orders, the Full Faith and Credit Act facilitates broad enforcement, thus enhancing the effectiveness of protective orders nationally.