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Becky Bruce reportingDeborah Jones tried to file an emergency protective order against her former boyfriend the day before she disappeared. Today she was found dead in Branson, Mo.
The Salt Lake Legal Aid Society helps domestic violence victims negotiate the paperwork involved in filing protective orders, but Executive Director Stewart Ralphs admits it can be a headache. "We tell people that come to our offices to plan at least three to five hours to go through that process," he said.
The orders have to be filed through the district court system, not police. But Ralphs says that's no reason to avoid police, because they have additional options in a threatening situation.
For more information on getting legal assistance in a domestic violence case, click the related link.
E-mail: bbruce@ksl.com