235E.3 - PREVENTION OF ADDITIONAL DEPENDENT ADULT ABUSE -- NOTIFICATION OF RIGHTS.

        235E.3  PREVENTION OF ADDITIONAL DEPENDENT ADULT ABUSE
      -- NOTIFICATION OF RIGHTS.
         If a peace officer has reason to believe that dependent adult
      abuse, which is criminal in nature, has occurred in a facility or
      program, the officer shall use all reasonable means to prevent
      further dependent adult abuse, including but not limited to any of
      the following:
         1.  If requested, remaining on the scene as long as there is a
      danger to the dependent adult's physical safety without the presence
      of a peace officer, including but not limited to staying in the
      facility or program, or if unable to remain at the scene, assisting
      the dependent adult in leaving the facility or program and securing
      support services or emergency shelter services.
         2.  Assisting the dependent adult in obtaining medical treatment
      necessitated by the dependent adult abuse, including providing
      assistance to the dependent adult in obtaining transportation to the
      emergency room of the nearest hospital.
         3.  Providing a dependent adult with immediate and adequate notice
      of the dependent adult's rights.  The notice shall consist of handing
      the dependent adult a document that includes the telephone numbers of
      shelters, support groups, and crisis lines operating in the area and
      contains a copy of the following written statement; requesting the
      dependent adult to read the card; and asking the dependent adult
      whether the dependent adult understands the rights:

         "a.  You have the right to ask the court for the following
      help on a temporary basis:
         (1)  Keeping the alleged perpetrator away from you, your home,
      your facility, and your place of work.
         (2)  The right to stay at your home or facility without
      interference from the alleged perpetrator.
         (3)  Professional counseling for you, your family, or household
      members, and the alleged perpetrator of the dependent adult abuse.
         b.  If you are in need of medical treatment, you have the
      right to request that the peace officer present assist you in
      obtaining transportation to the nearest hospital or otherwise assist
      you.
         c.  If you believe that police protection is needed for your
      physical safety, you have the right to request that the peace officer
      present remain at the scene until you and other affected parties can
      leave or safety is otherwise ensured."
      
         Section History: Recent Form
         2008 Acts, ch 1093, §13; 2009 Acts, ch 133, §90, 91