Domestic violence occurs when emotional, physical and/or verbal abuse occurs between two people who have a close, intimate or familial relationship.
If a court finds a person has committed domestic violence, the consequences can be severe. The perpetrator of domestic violence will be ordered to refrain from contacting the subject of the order; may be ordered to refrain from contacting his or her minor children; may be ordered to relocate from his or her home; and may be ordered to complete a batterers intervention program and/or complete an anger management program.
Further, if there is a related family law case the finding of domestic violence will have severe consequences on custody and visitation, spousal support and attorney’s fees.
Similar to Domestic Violence Restraining Orders, Civil Harassment Restraining Orders are imposed to protect against abuse, threats of abuse, stalking, sexual assault, or a course of harassment by someone you have not dated and with whom you do not have a close familial relationship.
While it is important to secure a restraining order in legitimate cases of abuse to prevent further harm, there are situations where a person may raise false allegations of abuse to gain a litigation advantage. If you have been falsely accused of abuse, it is important to secure strong legal assistance as soon as possible.