Iowa Legal Aid represented Natasha, a domestic abuse survivor, and her five children through our Waterloo Regional Office as she sought to extend a domestic abuse protection order and begin the process of safely ending her marriage. Although separated in 2023, the abuser had a long history of violence, instability, and intimidation that left Natasha fearful for her safety and the safety of her children if the protection order were to expire.
The abuse spanned many years and included repeated strangulation, physical assaults, sexual abuse, threats involving weapons, destruction of property, and violence witnessed by the children. In one of the most recent incidents, the abuser assaulted Natasha in front of the children, leaving her injured and forcing the family to flee to a hotel. The oldest child was also physically abused, and all five children were exposed to ongoing trauma throughout the relationship.
Despite the severity of the abuse, Natasha rarely contacted law enforcement due to fear of retaliation. She had previously obtained multiple protection orders, which the abuser followed while in effect but violated or escalated abuse once they expired. A protection order issued in 2023 included the children as protected parties and was violated twice in its first year. Although there were no recent violations, Natasha remained afraid, particularly given the abuser’s lack of stable housing, substance use, and ongoing criminal charges.
Iowa Legal Aid met with Natasha, helped her prepare for court, and traveled to represent her at the protective order extension hearing. At the hearing, the abuser was present and denied responsibility for the abuse, instead portraying himself as a good parent. Iowa Legal Aid ensured Natasha was not questioned directly by her abuser and presented his history of violence, risk factors, and impact on the children.
After the hearing, the judge entered an order extending the domestic abuse protection order and keeping all five children listed as protected persons. Iowa Legal Aid reviewed the order with Natasha, ensuring she understood her continued protections and next steps as she works toward long-term safety and stability for her family.
Because of Iowa Legal Aid’s advocacy, a survivor and her children were able to maintain critical legal protection and avoid being forced back into contact with a dangerous abuser.