Domestic Violence

If you have been a victim of domestic violence, or want to know more about how to protect yourself, here are a few things you should know:

What is domestic violence?

Domestic violence is defined as any violence or abuse that takes place between family members. Many people think that the term 'domestic violence' only refers to spousal abuse, but if any member of the family is experiencing violence due to a family member, the crime should be reported as domestic violence. Domestic violence is also used to describe abuse that has taken place between individuals who were formerly married, or abuse done to or by adopted individuals.

Many people also confuse domestic violence with civil harrassment. While domestic violence cases do fall under the category of civil harrassment, they are a much more specific form of the crime. Civil harrassment is defined as annoying, threatening, harrassing, or injuring another person, whether or not the person belongs to your household.

How to prevent domestic violence

One of the most effective ways to prevent a domestic violence situation from occuring in your home again is to have a court-ordered restraining order issued to the person who is abusing you. This document will restrict the person from contacting or attacking you, and if the restraining order is violated, the person who violated the order will be arrested and taken to jail, either on misdemeanor or felony charges, as well as pay a fine for the offense. For more information on how to prevent domestic violence in your home or in your neighborhood, contact your local police department, or call Crime Attorneys at 1-800-841-1881.

Our Sponsors