No-Contact Orders in Elder Abuse Cases

As part of the case, the prosecutor may ask the court for a no-contact order. A no-contact order prohibits the defendant from having contact with the victim, people living with the victim, and the victim’s immediate family. It may also prohibit the defendant from doing other things. See Iowa Code section 664A.1.

In elder abuse and financial exploitation cases the person abusing the victim is often a family member, caregiver, or someone the older person relies on for help. In those cases, the prosecutor, victim, and others may have to work together to find other options for help or other ways of protecting the victim from more abuse and loss. Prosecutors’ offices often work closely with government and community organizations that serve victims.