Iowa Attorney General Brenna Bird announced earlier this week that her office has restored and updated a notification system designed to help victims track the status of protective orders in cases involving domestic violence and sexual abuse. The Protective Order Notification System is now operating through Iowa Victim Information and Notification Everyday, commonly known as IowaVINE. The system provides crime victims with free, anonymous access to information on protective orders and offender custody status. The notification system had been inoperable since 2019 due to unresolved technical issues. According to the attorney general’s office, the system was restored after an audit of the office’s victim assistance programs. IowaVINE allows victims and concerned parties to receive automated updates on protective orders or an offender’s custody status by phone, email, or via the internet at any time. Bird says, “Knowledge is power. Through the IowaVINE Protective Order Notification system, victims can be armed with information on the status of a protective order against their abuser. Serving victims is one of the main reasons why I ran for Attorney General. And it is why on day one, I set out to make real changes to ensure victims receive the justice and support they deserve. I am so glad to announce this notification system is fixed and up and running well.” Officials emphasize the service operates as an imperfect early warning system and should not be relied on implicitly.
