What Is A Cpo Brochure - 1-31-19.docx

BECAUSE NOBODY HAS TO LIVE IN FEAR You do not deserve violence and abuse from your loved ones. Reach out today! You can talk to the police, EMS, nurse, the High Court, or American Samoa Legal Aid to help you begin the process of healing. Violence and fear are not a normal part of being a family, and there are people who care and want to help. This is not your fault and you are not alone. A civil protection order is a fast way to get help for you and your family. It can help you get police protection, make anyone hurting you leave your home and stay away, give you temporary custody of your children, and make sure you have the basic belongings that you need every day.

WHO WE ARE American Samoa Legal Aid We provide free civil legal services to low income people in American Samoa. We can help you with civil protection orders, divorces, name changes, unpaid wages, FEMA disaster relief, power of attorney, minor guardianship, small estates, employment discrimination, home foreclosure, referrals to other agencies, and other matters.

CONTACT US Letialua Building, Second Floor (684)633-3300/01 PO Box 5984 Pago Pago, AS96799

HOW CAN A CPO HELP? The basics of protection orders that help you stay safe when you or your family are in danger of domestic and family violence

WHAT IS A CPO?

WHAT CAN IT DO FOR YOU?

A COURT ORDER FOR SAFETY

CPO stands for “civil protection order.” It is an order from a judge when you are in danger of immediate physical harm from a family/household member. It will make that person stay away from you and leave your home until you are safe. HOW DO YOU GET IT?

A CPO can do the following for you:

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Orders the perpetrator to stay away from you and STOP beating, threatening, harassing, annoying or contacting you.

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You can file a petition for a CPO with the High Court on your own, call the police for help, or come toAmerican Samoa Legal Aid and talk to our domestic violence lawyer Asaua Fuimaono. ([email protected])

IS THIS A CRIMINAL CHARGE?

No. A CPO does not start a criminal investigation, break up your family, or make you get a divorce. Think of it as a time out for a few days that gives you some space to think about what you need.

GUARANTEE PHYSICAL SAFETY

GET BACK YOUR HOME AND ESSENTIAL BELONGINGS Orders the perpetrator to stay away from the home where you reside, even if the perpetrator owns that home. Allows you to obtain essential belongings from the home.

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GETA SAFE DISTANCE AWAY Orders the perpetrator to keep a safe distance from your home, place of employment, school, or another specified place you go to often.

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TEMPORARY CHILD CUSTODY

“Most people don’t realize how much strength it takes to pull yourself from a poisonous situation with someone you love. If you did that today or any day, I’m proud of you.” - Horacio Jones -