This program is authorized by 34 U.S.C.
12291(b)(11).
The VAWA full faith and credit provision (18 U.S.C.
2265) provides that states, tribes, and territories (the receiving jurisdiction) must enforce a qualifying protection order from outside the receiving jurisdiction as if the
protection order had been issued by the receiving jurisdiction.
The receiving jurisdiction cannot require notice or registration of the order as a prerequisite to enforcement.
During OVWs Annual Tribal Consultation, many tribes, including Alaska tribes expressed concern about a lack of state enforcement of tribal protection orders .
There are over 220 federally recognized tribes in Alaska.
The purpose of this initiative is to assist these tribes and state and local law enforcement and courts to improve enforcement of tribal protection orders in Alaska.