Pilot Project Hopes to Carry Out Protection Orders Electronically

by Stephanie CrosbyA new pilot project in Louisville will develop a program to request, approve and carry out domestic violence protective orders electronically. It’s being funded with a $170,000 federal grant.It’s among 22 similar projects announced today that received a total of $1.6-million dollars in stimulus money.Jefferson Circuit Clerk David Nicholson says speeding up the process to protect victims of domestic violence is crucial, because most victims wait until the situation is dire to report a problem.“Once they do find the courage to come forward, every minute spent waiting for protection is full of fear and uncertainty," says Nicholson. "It’s our job to do everything possible to make sure the intake process itself is not a barrier to victims seeking protection.”The program is expected to be implemented throughout the rest of the commonwealth after a test period in Louisville.