Domestic violence is a real and dangerous issue. It is important to protect yourself, as well as your family, from the dangers of domestic violence, Domestic violence consists of the following when committed against a family or household member by a family or household member:
- Physical harm, bodily injury or assault;
- Infliction of fear or imminent physical harm, bodily injury or assault;
- Terroristic threats, criminal sexual conduct, or interference with an emergency call;
“Family or household members” means:
- Spouses and former spouses;
- Parents and children;
- Persons related by blood;
- Persons presently residing together or who have resided together in the past;
- Persons who have a child in common regardless of whether they have been married or have lived together at any time;
- A man and woman if the woman is pregnant and the man is alleged to be the father, regardless of whether they have been married or have lived together at any time; and
- Persons involved in a significant romantic or sexual relationship.
The filing fees for an order for protection under this section are waived for the petitioner. A petition for relief under this section may be made by any family or household members personally or by a family or household member, guardian, or if the court finds that it is in the best interests of the minor. Upon receipt of the petition, the court shall order a hearing which shall be held no later than 14 days unless an ex parte order is issued.
Upon notice and hearing, the court may provide relief as follows:
- Restrain the abusing party;
- Exclude the abusing party from the dwelling;
- Exclude the abusing party from a reasonable area surrounding the dwelling;
- Award temporary custody or establish temporary parenting time with regards to minor children of the parties; or
- Establish temporary support for minor children or spouse.
