Prepare your documents for Sexual Assault Protective Order Alaska

This website helps prepare the required forms for Sexual Assault Protective Order.

Start

HOW IT WORKS

Take-Screening

1. Take Screening

Start with an online screening tool to help you decide which civil protection order fits your situation the best.

Prepare-Documents

2. Prepare Documents

Instead of looking at the forms themselves, our system will help you complete your filing documents by having you answer all of the necessary information by topic. We will ask you questions in plain and non-legal language. To make this process as simple as possible, our system will then generate your response anywhere it is needed on the forms.

questionAndAnswer

3. Consult Advocate (Optional)

You can consult an advocate for guidance when filing a Sexual Assault Protective Order in Alaska. Advocates can help explain the legal process, assist with filling out forms, and provide emotional support and safety planning. While not required, their assistance can make the process easier and less stressful.

Submit-to-Court

4. File with the Clerk

To begin the process of obtaining a Sexual Assault Protective Order in Alaska, you must file a petition with the court in the community where you or the respondent lives. There is no filing fee, and petitions can usually be submitted in person at the local courthouse. Court staff may provide forms and basic instructions, but they cannot give legal advice.

Process

Step 1

You: Gathering Evidence for a Sexual Assault Protective Order in Alaska

Your personal testimony is evidence. However, the more supporting material you provide, the stronger your request will be. Courts in Alaska may consider the following types of evidence in Sexual Assault Protective Order cases:

Evidence Type 1: Pending Criminal Case
If there is an ongoing criminal investigation or case related to the sexual assault, include this information in your petition. Judges view this as strong support that the assault occurred.

Evidence Type 2: Medical or Counseling Records
Provide medical records, hospital reports, or counseling notes showing injuries, trauma, or treatment after the assault. These documents help establish the impact on your health and safety.

Evidence Type 3: Written or Digital Communications
Submit copies of text messages, emails, social media posts, or letters that contain threats, admissions, or harassment. Screenshots and printouts are commonly accepted.

Evidence Type 4: Witness Testimony or Affidavits
Friends, family, or others who saw the assault’s effects (such as injuries, emotional distress, or immediate outcry) may provide written statements or testify on your behalf.

Evidence Type 5: 911 Calls or Hotline Records
Include any emergency calls or sexual assault hotline records connected to the incident. List:

  • The number called (e.g., 911, crisis hotline)

  • The date and time of the call

  • Who made the call

  • What was reported

Step 2

You: Take Online Screening

Determine if your situation is suitable for applying for a Sexual Assault Protective Order in Alaska by taking a short screening. You can begin by entering your location or community to find the nearest court or advocacy resources.

Step 3

You: Create Case Documents - "Packet"

After the screening, this website will guide you through the next steps to create your case documents.

Just for your knowledge: In order to apply for a Sexual Assault Protective Order (SAPO) in Alaska, you must complete and submit official Alaska court forms. These forms ask about your situation, the incident, and the people involved.

The most important form is the Petition for Sexual Assault Protective Order, which explains to the court why protection is needed and what specific protections you are requesting.

Step 4

You: File with the Court: How to File a Sexual Assault Protective Order in Alaska

Alaska allows you to file a Petition for a Sexual Assault Protective Order (SAPO) in person at your local courthouse. You may file in the judicial district where you or the respondent lives, or where the incident took place.

To formally request court protection after sexual assault, you must complete and submit the Petition for Sexual Assault Protective Order to the Clerk of Court. This process is called filing.

Filing options in Alaska:

  • In Person: File your petition with the Clerk of Court at the nearest courthouse. Court staff can provide forms and explain the filing process, though they cannot give legal advice.

  • Remote Options: Some Alaska courts may allow filing by fax, mail, or email, but procedures vary by location. Contact your local court for details.

SAPO cases are filed in the Alaska Superior Court or District Court, depending on the location. Once your petition is accepted, the court assigns a case number to track your case.

Step 5

Judge Issues a Temporary Order

Based on the information and evidence you provide, a judge in Alaska may issue a Temporary Sexual Assault Protective Order (SAPO) the same day you file your petition. This type of order is often called an ex parte order, and it is designed to give immediate protection until a full court hearing can be held.

If the judge feels that the situation is less urgent or the evidence is limited, they may take additional time to review your petition before deciding whether to issue a temporary order.

A judge may deny your request for a temporary order if:

  • There are no legal grounds for a Sexual Assault Protective Order,

  • The petition is incomplete, or

  • The court does not have jurisdiction (for example, the incident or respondent is outside Alaska).

Even if a temporary order is denied, the judge may still schedule a hearing so that both you and the respondent have the opportunity to appear in court and present your sides of the case.

Step 6

Law Enforcement: Delivers Temporary Order to the Respondent

Once a judge issues a Temporary Sexual Assault Protective Order (SAPO) in Alaska, it must be officially delivered (served) to the respondent before it becomes legally enforceable. Until the respondent is served, law enforcement cannot enforce the order.

After the order is served, any violation—such as contacting you, approaching you, or making threats—may result in the respondent’s arrest and possible criminal charges.

Step 7

You, Respondent: Attend Court Hearing

After a Temporary Sexual Assault Protective Order (SAPO) is issued and served, the court schedules a full hearing, usually within 20 days. At this hearing, both you (the petitioner) and the respondent may attend, present evidence, and give testimony.

The judge will review:

  • Evidence from both sides

  • Witness testimony

  • Any new incidents since the temporary order was issued

If the judge finds enough proof of sexual assault and an ongoing need for protection, a Final (Long-Term) Sexual Assault Protective Order will be issued.

This final order may:

  • Be valid for up to one year, or

  • Include specific protections tailored to your situation

If you (the petitioner) don’t attend the hearing, your case may be dismissed. If the respondent doesn’t attend, the judge may still issue the final order without their input.

Step 8

You: Collect the Final Sexual Assault Protective Order

If the judge issues a Final (Long-Term) Sexual Assault Protective Order (SAPO) after the hearing, you will receive an official, signed copy of the order. Be sure to collect a paper copy from the Clerk’s Office before leaving the courthouse.

The order will explain:

  • The specific protections granted to you

  • Any restrictions placed on the respondent

  • The duration of the order (up to one year)

Keep this copy in a safe but accessible place, as you may need to show it to law enforcement, your workplace, your school, or other institutions as part of your safety plan.

FAQs

Court Forms Created This website guides you through all the topics required to complete your Sexual Assault Protective Order documents and file your case.

Core Forms

  • Petition For Sexual Assault Protection Order
  • Request For Service
  • Confidential Law Enforcement Information Sheet