Domestic Violence

Domestic violence is an issue that really hits home

What is Domestic Violence?
As defined in law
741.28 Domestic violence; definitions. -- As used in ss. 741.28-741.31: "Department" means the Florida Department of Law Enforcement.

"Domestic violence" means any assault, aggravated assault, battery, aggravated battery, sexual assault, sexual battery, stalking, aggravated stalking, kidnapping, false imprisonment, or any criminal offense resulting in physical injury or death of one family or household member by another family or household member.

"Family or household member" means spouses, former spouses, persons related by blood or marriage, persons who are presently residing together as if a family or who have resided together in the past as if a family, and persons who are parents of a child in common regardless of whether they have been married. With the exception of persons who have a child in common, the family or household members must be currently residing or have in the past resided together in the same single dwelling unit.

"Law enforcement officer" means any person who is elected, appointed, or employed by any municipality or the state or any political subdivision thereof who meets the minimum qualifications established in s. 943.13 and is certified as a law enforcement officer under s. 943.1395.

"I have this friend..."

What do you do if you think your friend or family member is in a violent relationship, but you're not sure? Go with your instincts -- you probably wouldn't be concerned without reason. Here are some signs to look for that might indicate an abusive relationship:

>> View the signs of domestic violence