In recent years the penalties for spousal abuse have been increasingly stringent, often vigorously prosecuting first time offenders who at a minimum can expect some jail time along with the requirement to complete a counseling program. This counseling is designed to help individuals understand and change their violent behavior. If drugs or alcohol are involved there may be a requirement for the individual convicted of domestic abuse to attend a recovery program.

Domestic violence can take a number of forms, including:

• physical behavior (slapping, punching, pulling hair or shoving)
• forced or coerced sexual acts or behavior (unwanted fondling or intercourse, or sexual jokes and insults)
• threats (threatening to hit, harm or use a weapon)
• psychological abuse (attacks on self-esteem, attempts to control or limit another person's behavior, repeated insults or interrogation)
• stalking (following a person, appearing at a person's home or workplace, making repeated phone calls or leaving written messages), or
• cyberstalking (repeated online action or email that causes substantial emotional distress).

Typically, many kinds of abuse go on at the same time in a household.

The most powerful legal tool for stopping domestic violence is the temporary restraining order (TRO). A victim of domestic violence or spousal abuse can apply for a restraining order under which the alleged abuser is prohibited from having any contact with the victim or the family, is not permitted to posses a weapon and must continue to obey any existing child custody / support order and/or spousal support agreement.

Domestic violence orders may include:

• Personal Conduct (Harassment, Violence, Contact)
• Stay Away Orders
• Move Out Orders
• Child Custody, Visitation, and Child Support
• Permitting Recording Of Restrained Communications
• Temporary Control Of Property
• Payment (by the other party) Of Debts
• Property Restraint (against disposing of jointly-owned property)
• Payment Of Your Attorney Fees (if any)
• Payment Of Court Costs
• Orders Requiring The Other Party To Attend A Batterer’s program
• Orders Against Possession Of Firearms
• Orders Against Ownership Of Firearms

If you feel that you are in danger from your partner or spouse you should call 911 immediately. The courts, the police, and your attorney will help you through the process to ensure that you and your family are safe and protected.

If you have any further questions about spousal abuse please contact our attorneys today.

Please contact us online or call us at 1-800-221-9847.

Related Information
Domestic Violence
Child Abuse
Restraining Orders