Domestic Violence

Domestic Violence is a crime. No one, not even someone you live with, has the right to beat you or threaten you with violence. Knowing your legal rights and your options is the first step toward ending the abuse.

If you're being physically or sexually abused, threatened by a family or household member, or believe you are in danger of such abuse, get help.

• The law protects you if you're being abused or threatened by your spouse, former spouse, or another family member who is or was living in the same household as you.
• The law protects you from abuse by a person with whom you have a child in common, whether you lived together or not.
• You don't need to be married or related to the abuser to be protected under the law.

If you're the victim of domestic violence, call the Special Victims Bureau's Domestic Crimes Investigations Unit at 305-418-7200. You may also ask the State Attorney to press charges by calling 305-547-0150.

You also have the right to go to court and file a petition requesting an Injunction for Protection from domestic violence which may include, but not be limited to:

• Provisions which restrain the abuser from further acts of abuse.
• Directing the abuser to leave your household.
• Preventing the abuser from entering your residence, school, business, or place or employment.
• Awarding you custody of a minor child or children.
• Directing the abuser to pay support to you and any minor children if the abuser has a legal obligation to do so.

Remember, if an individual has abused you physically or sexually, or if you have good reason to fear that this person is about to be violent toward you, the law in Florida enables you to get a judge to order the abuse to stop.