Domestic Violence

Domestic Violence Laws and Penalties

Domestic violence crimes involve acts of violence by and against those involved in domestic, family, or intimate relationships. Learn how states define and penalize crimes of domestic violence.

Differentiating Between Domestic Violence and Abuse

“Domestic violence” and “domestic abuse” are used in news stories to refer to incidents or allegations of physical violence committed between people who are married, who live together, or are who are dating.

Falsely Accused of Domestic Violence

Domestic violence (DV) is a crime of violence, typically an assault, battery, stalking, or criminal harassment, perpetrated by someone against a family or household member. Some states have specific statutes that are separate from the general assault statutes.

When parents physically discipline their children, does this amount to domestic violence?

Parents and children are family members who fall within state domestic violence laws. Does this mean that a parent commits domestic assault by using physical force to discipline a child?

Can the police be sued for improperly investigating a domestic violence claim?

Many states have laws that place specific duties on law enforcement officers who investigate allegations of domestic violence. State laws also protect officers who perform domestic violence investigations from being charged with a crime or being sued by suspects, victims, or witnesses.

Can I get the prosecutor to drop domestic violence charges against my partner?

My husband and I got into an argument and things got out of hand. Police arrested him for domestic violence. I want the charges dropped because I don't want this to cause an issue and I think we can work it out. Is it possible?

Domestic Violence Trials: When the Victim Refuses to Testify

While challenges exist to prosecuting domestic violence cases without victim testimony, prosecutors may have other evidence of the crime that proves the case beyond a reasonable doubt.

What are the consequences of pleading "no contest" to a charge of domestic violence?

A nolo contendere or “no contest” plea is a plea entered by a defendant to a criminal charge. By pleading nolo contendere or no contest, the defendant does not admit the criminal charge but chooses not to contest it.

In domestic violence cases, are female defendants treated more leniently than male defendants?

Despite popular belief, there’s no evidence to back up a claim that female offenders systematically receive more lenient treatment.

Can Spouses Be Forced to Testify Against One Another?

“Privilege” has a special meaning under the law: protection from being forced to testify about communications between yourself and a person with whom you have a special relationship, such as a spouse.