Understanding Domestic Violence Laws

Domestic violence laws may be unique from the east coast to the west, so scheduling a meeting with a an experienced lawyer in the field of civil disputes may be in your best interest. A majority of states have strict regulations prohibiting domestic violence and have laws in place to protect victims of physical abuse. The former couples involved in a domestic violence situation may be husband and wife, unmarried, straight, gay, lesbian, living together, going out or not together anymore. Other involvements could be present and need to be talked over with a family law lawyer or law enforcement official.

Domestic violence could involve verbal abuse, preventing a partner from contacting family, friends, not sharing money, preventing a spouse from getting a job, causing a partner to lose their job, physical abuse, threatened physical harm, rape, following, intimidation, etc. Any questions about what is considered domestic violence should be directed to an attorney or law enforcement official.


There are many phone numbers for help and protective residences that exist for victims of domestic violence, so knowing these is very significant. The Government's Domestic Violence Hotline is among the resources victims should be privy to. The number is readily available online. Browsing the web is a excellent way to uncover more about domestic violence centers. Contact an experienced family law lawyer or local police for further information and resources.

An emergency protective order (EPO) can be gotten that by law restricts the aggressor from contacting or coming near the victim. It can also give custody of the children (if any) to the affected person or an individual with whom they will be in a protective environment. When in immediate danger, the person should call 911 instantly and tell the police officers what occurred once they come onto the scene. The officers may call an on-call judicial officer to grant the EPO on the spot.

To be granted an EPO, the victim or his or her children must be in immediate and present danger of possible fatal violence. The order is effective for five court days or seven calendar days, whichever is shorter. Further information about an EPO can be obtained by speaking with an attorney or police officer.

To obtain a temporary restraining order (TRO), the victim must file an application with the local family law court. If granted, the TRO will be effective once the perpetrator is served with papers. To learn more about TROs, victims should, once again, speak with an family law lawyer or a police officer or official deputy.

People affected by domestic violence may be of any gender, race, ethnic background, sexual orientation, age, etc. Knowing one's resources and calling 911 if in real and imminent danger is important.

For more information on gettign a TRO or EPO contact a somekeyword by scheduling a consultation with a somekeyword visit the offices of Diefer Law Group.