Protection from Domestic Violence

What you need to know about protection from Domestic Violence

What does the Florida Statutes say about Domestic Violence? Find out here

Under Florida law, domestic violence is any assault, battery, sexual assault, sexual battery, stalking, aggravated stalking, kidnapping, false imprisonment, or any criminal offense resulting in physical injury or death of a family or household member by another, who is or was residing in the same dwelling unit.

“Family or household member” means a spouse, former spouse, persons related by blood or marriage, persons presently residing together as a family, or have resided together in the past as a family, and persons with a child in common, regardless of whether or not they are married or reside together.

If you have been abused physically or sexually, or have reason to fear you may become a victim of domestic violence, Florida law enables you to file for a Petition for Injunction for Protection Against Domestic Violence; it explains your situation to the judge and tells the court from whom you need protection. An Injunction For Protection is a court document that states a particular person must not have contact with another person. You are eligible for an Injunction for Protection if you have lived with the abuser at some time and were recently the victim of abuse and/or threatened with abuse by the abuser.

To file for an injunction you must go, in person, to the County Courthouse. The Clerk of the Court’s Domestic Violence Section receptionist can help you properly complete the required forms and statements. Click here for more information on injunctions and for information on restraining orders.
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