Domestic Violence Injunctions
Domestic violence is a pattern of aggressive and coercive behaviors that one partner in a relationship uses to gain power or control over the other. This type of abuse can be physical, sexual, emotional, economic, or psychological. Domestic violence behaviors are intended to intimidate, manipulate, threaten, isolate, frighten, coerce, or injure someone. If you are a victim of domestic violence, do not let the violence continue and take immediate action. One option you have is to file a domestic violence injunction (also referred to as a restraining order). An injunction is a court order that directs the violent person not to have any contact with the victim, and is a legal means of helping protect one from threats or acts of violence by another person.
When is it time to file a domestic violence injunction?
You may file a petition for a domestic violence injunction against a person who has lived with you or is currently living with you as a “family” member. “Family” includes people you are related to by blood or marriage such as spouses, ex-spouses, parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles; parties intimately involved and living together but never married including adopted children, step-parents and step-children; or a person who is the parent of your child or children, regardless of whether or not you have ever been married or lived together. When you’ve experienced domestic violence in any form, especially if it is reoccurring, it is time to make the call.
Domestic violence injunctions may be able to provide help in a bad situation by:
• Restraining the respondent from committing any acts of domestic violence
• Awarding you temporary exclusive use of the home
• Addressing issues related to support and timesharing with children
• Ordering the respondent to participate in a batterer’s intervention course
• Requiring the respondent to surrender weapons to law enforcement
For additional information on how to move forward with filing a domestic violence injunction, please call Anton Garcia Law 813.907.9807. Our marital and family attorneys work round the clock, 7 days a week, to represent your best interest.
