A summary of personal protection order statutes in the United States.

A systematic analysis of statutes regarding personal protection orders (PPOs) was completed for all 50 states plus the District of Columbia to determine which states are most "victim friendly" in protecting women against domestic violence. Indicators used include compliance with the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA), the relationship between petitioner and respondent, ease of the PPO administrative process, and severity of punishment for violations. Results indicate that most states have PPO legislation that is consistent with VAWA; however, states differ dramatically in accessibility of orders for victims of violence.