{"id":351808,"date":"2016-04-04T11:02:35","date_gmt":"2016-04-04T16:02:35","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/family\/domestic-violence\/domestic-violence-laws.html"},"modified":"2026-07-13T13:25:03","modified_gmt":"2026-07-13T18:25:03","slug":"domestic-violence-laws","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/family\/domestic-violence\/domestic-violence-laws.html","title":{"rendered":"Domestic Violence Laws"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 fl-sectionWithSidebar fl-container fl-flex fl-flex-wrap fl-gap30\">\n<div class=\"fl-page-articles fl-section-main fl-section-main-full-width\"><h1 class=\"fl-no-margin-top\">Domestic Violence Laws<\/h1>\n\n<section class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline\">\n    <div class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-content\">\n                    By <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team\/john-mascolo-esq\/\">John Mascolo, Esq.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by <a\n                href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team\/joseph-fawbush-esq\/\">Joseph Fawbush, Esq.<\/a>\n                | Last updated\n        <time>\n                            July 13, 2026\n                    <\/time>\n    <\/div>\n\n    \n    <details class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle fl-gutenberg-byline-legally-reviewed\">\n        <summary>\n            <i class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n            Legally Reviewed\n        <\/summary>\n\n        <div class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle-content\">\n            <p><em>This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team.html\">FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/company-history\/editorial-policy.html\">our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/details>\n\n    <details class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle fl-gutenberg-byline-fast-checked\">\n        <summary>\n            <i class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n            Fact-Checked\n        <\/summary>\n\n        <div class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle-content\">\n            <p><em>The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team\/contributing-authors.html\">contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please <a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/?fli=bylinelink\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/details>\n<\/section>\n\n\n<div class=\"fl-key-takeaways fl-mb30\" data-testid=\"fl-key-takeaways\">\n    <div class=\"fl-card-content\">\n        <div class=\"fl-card-body fl-card-bg-teal fl-flex fl-flex-column\">\n                            <h2 class=\"fl-card-title fl-h2 fl-no-margin\">Key Takeaways<\/h2>\n                        <p>State law definitions of domestic violence vary in name, elements, and the people covered. Many states also recognize that domestic violence occurs in casual dating relationships. Domestic violence comes in many forms. In most cases, victims may feel confused, helpless, and scared. There are state and federal laws in place to help.<\/p>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<div><h2>What Is Domestic Violence?<\/h2>\n<p>Domestic violence is a pattern of abusive behavior between people in an intimate relationship.\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.justice.gov\/usao-wdtn\/victim-witness-program\/federal-domestic-violence-laws\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Federal law<\/a>\u00a0considers the following &#8220;intimate partners&#8221;:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>A spouse<\/li>\n<li>A former spouse<\/li>\n<li>A person with whom you share a child in common<\/li>\n<li>A person who cohabits or has cohabited with the victim<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Various state and federal laws address this type of violence. This article will discuss the different laws that protect domestic violence victims.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<p>It can be hard to admit and recognize that you are in an abusive relationship. However, help is available, and there are domestic violence laws that address this situation. No one deserves to be abused, and criminal justice is possible for those who seek help. A local <a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/family-law\/?fli=dcta\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">family law attorney<\/a> can stand by your side.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h2>The Violence Against Women Act (VAWA)<\/h2>\n<p>The Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) is a\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.justice.gov\/usao-wdtn\/victim-witness-program\/federal-domestic-violence-laws\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">federal law<\/a>\u00a0that protects domestic violence victims. Federal law also protects the victim&#8217;s identity. VAWA programs provide shelter and protection to victims and their family members.<\/p>\n<p>Help is available to those who are currently suffering from:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Child abuse<\/li>\n<li>Dating violence<\/li>\n<li>Domestic violence<\/li>\n<li>Emotional abuse<\/li>\n<li>Financial abuse<\/li>\n<li>Physical abuse<\/li>\n<li>Sexual abuse and sexual assault<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Both the victim and other household members may experience other forms of violent crime. Domestic assault can occur in any intimate relationship.<\/p>\n<h2>Understanding Your Rights Under the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA)<\/h2>\n<div>Federal law gives you important protections to help keep you safe, support your housing needs, and connect you with help.<\/div>\n<div>\u00a0<\/div>\n<div>Knowing your rights and when to reach out to an attorney can help you make informed choices and get the support you need.<\/div>\n<h2>2022 Updates: Violence Against Women Act (VAWA)<\/h2>\n<div>The Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) was renewed in 2022. The update focused mainly on protections for survivors. It strengthened existing protections and increased resources for victims across the United States.<\/div>\n<div>Some of the main changes are detailed below:<\/div>\n<h3>Expanded Housing Stability Protections<\/h3>\n<div>VAWA continues to protect survivors in federally assisted housing. It helps ensure you are not denied housing, evicted, or lose rental help because you have experienced domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking.<\/div>\n<div>\u00a0<\/div>\n<div><strong>The 2022 updates also made the housing programs stronger by:<\/strong><\/div>\n<ul>\n<li>Expanding support for emergency and transitional housing.<\/li>\n<li>Increasing funding for survivor-centered housing assistance.<\/li>\n<li>Improving coordination between housing providers and victim service organizations.<\/li>\n<li>Encouraging trauma-informed housing policies that help keep survivors safe and support long-term stability.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<div>These protections can help survivors stay in safe housing while leaving an abusive partner or beginning a new chapter.<\/div>\n<h3>Stronger Firearm Restrictions for Certain Abusers<\/h3>\n<div>The 2022 update to VAWA expanded federal firearm rules. It also closed what is often called the \u201cboyfriend loophole.\u201d<\/div>\n<div>\u00a0<\/div>\n<div>Under current federal law, some people convicted of misdemeanor domestic violence offenses against current or recent dating partners may be prohibited from possessing firearms.<\/div>\n<div>\u00a0<\/div>\n<div>Federal law also continues to prohibit many individuals subject to qualifying domestic violence protection orders from possessing firearms while those orders remain in effect.<\/div>\n<div>\u00a0<\/div>\n<div>Since firearm laws can be different in each state, survivors should talk to local law enforcement, a domestic violence advocate, or a lawyer to understand how the rules apply where they live.<\/div>\n<h2>The Violence Against Women Act (VAWA): History and Timeline<\/h2>\n<p>VAWA became law in 1994 after passing Congress. The act created a federal crime of domestic violence. The Act also established the\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.thehotline.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">national domestic violence hotline<\/a>. The hotline helps people report serious bodily injury and protects the victims&#8217; privacy.<\/p>\n<p>Before VAWA, domestic abusers would often try to avoid law enforcement officers and court orders by moving to another state. VAWA made it a\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.justice.gov\/sites\/default\/files\/olc\/opinions\/2010\/04\/31\/vawa-opinion-04272010_0.pdf#:~:text=The%20first%20of%20VAWA%E2%80%99s%20three%20criminal%20provisions%2C%20section,partner.%E2%80%9D%2018%20U.S.C.%20%C2%A7%202261%28a%29%281%29%20%28emphases%20added%29.%20Subsection\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">federal crime\u00a0<\/a>to travel interstate or internationally if the purpose of the trip was to commit domestic violence. Commission of domestic violence during such travel is also charged under VAWA.<\/p>\n<p>The law has motivated state and local authorities to act, encouraging them to implement policies intended to protect domestic violence victims.<\/p>\n<p>VAWA also introduced &#8220;mandatory arrest.&#8221; As a result, law enforcement officers who responded to domestic violence calls had to arrest one of the parties involved. However, they must have probable cause to believe the person could be charged with domestic violence.<\/p>\n<h2>Important Legal Protections for Survivors<\/h2>\n<div>One of the most important legal protections in VAWA is the Full Faith and Credit rule.<\/div>\n<h3>Full Faith and Credit for Protection Orders<\/h3>\n<div>If you get a qualifying protection order in one U.S. state, territory, or tribal area, it usually must be recognized and enforced anywhere in the United States, even if you move.<\/div>\n<div>This means that:<\/div>\n<ul>\n<li>You usually do not need to get a new protection order just because you move.<\/li>\n<li>Law enforcement in another jurisdiction can generally enforce a valid protection order issued elsewhere.<\/li>\n<li>Protection orders issued by tribal courts, state courts, and U.S. territories may also qualify for interstate enforcement when they meet legal requirements.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<div>Survivors should try to keep a copy of their protection order with them, but many places can also check these orders electronically.<\/div>\n<div>\n<h2>Immediate Help and Local Resources<\/h2>\n<div>If you are in immediate danger, call 911 or your local emergency services.<\/div>\n<h3>National Crisis Resources<\/h3>\n<div>There are several confidential organizations that offer free help at any time, day or night:<\/div>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.thehotline.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">National Domestic Violence Hotline<\/a>: You can call 800-799-7233 or text START to 88788. Both options will provide you with fast, free, confidential support. They also offer safety planning and referrals for targeted help.<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/strongheartshelpline.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">StrongHearts Native Helpline<\/a>: A culturally appropriate domestic violence helpline for Native American and Alaska Native survivors.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<div>Advocates are available to help. They can help you with safety planning and emergency shelter. Advocates can also direct you to legal referrals, counseling, and local services.<\/div>\n<h3>Confidential Address Programs<\/h3>\n<div>Many states operate Address Confidentiality Programs (ACPs) to help survivors protect their physical location from public records.<\/div>\n<div>\u00a0<\/div>\n<div>These programs usually give participants a substitute mailing address for government records and other approved uses. This lowers the chance that an abuser can find out where they live.<\/div>\n<div>\u00a0<\/div>\n<div>Each state has its own rules for who can join, how to apply, and what protections are offered. Applications are often done with the help of certified victim advocates or program assistants.<\/div>\n<div>\u00a0<\/div>\n<div>If you think an ACP could help you, reach out to your state\u2019s Address Confidentiality Program or a local domestic violence group for advice.<\/div>\n<h3>Finding Local Support When Facing Domestic Violence<\/h3>\n<div>Local domestic violence organizations are there to help. Contacting one can help you with:<\/div>\n<ul>\n<li>Emergency shelter options<\/li>\n<li>Safety planning for you and your children<\/li>\n<li>Protective order information<\/li>\n<li>Assistance getting an order for protection (OFP) in place<\/li>\n<li>Court accompaniment for hearings<\/li>\n<li>Legal aid referrals<\/li>\n<li>Attorney referrals<\/li>\n<li>Counseling<\/li>\n<li>Support groups<\/li>\n<li>Housing assistance<\/li>\n<li>Financial empowerment programs<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<div>A local victim advocate can tell you about services in your area and help you create a safety plan that fits your situation.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<h2>State Domestic Violence Laws<\/h2>\n<p>Domestic violence laws may\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/family-laws\/domestic-violence.html\">differ in every state<\/a>\u00a0and court system. States may limit domestic violence cases to physical abuse. States may also treat threats of harm as domestic violence.<\/p>\n<p>For instance, in Texas law, simple assault is a Class A misdemeanor. However, if you have a previous criminal case that included a conviction for family violence, the assault becomes a third-degree felony. Then,\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/criminal\/criminal-charges\/aggravated-assault.html\">aggravated assault<\/a>, where the offender causes serious physical harm or uses a deadly weapon against a family member, is a second-degree felony.<\/p>\n<p>In many states, renters who are victims of domestic violence can terminate a lease early without facing any penalties. However, this may require police reports, restraining orders, and other pieces of evidence.<\/p>\n<p>Learning about your rights and legal options can be a complicated task due to varying state laws. You should seek advice from a family law attorney.<\/p>\n<h2>History of Domestic Violence Laws<\/h2>\n<p>The American justice system has not always considered domestic violence a crime. In the 1800s, domestic violence was still widespread, even with the movement for women&#8217;s rights. Attitudes towards domestic violence changed in the 1960s, with more states enacting laws addressing domestic violence.<\/p>\n<p>Family violence started to become a more recognized issue in the 1960s. The Women&#8217;s Liberation Movement was a significant influence in this development. Around this time, attitudes toward abuse changed.<\/p>\n<p>The United States began to view these patterns of physical harm as a violent criminal act. The criminal justice system that handles these cases also made significant adjustments. Now, all 50 states have state laws to address domestic violence.<\/p>\n<h2>Note: Legal Information Is Always Changing. Stay Informed To Stay Safe.<\/h2>\n<div>This guide provides a general summary of federal protections and resources. Laws can change, and your state or tribal laws may offer more rights and protections than federal law.<\/div>\n<div>\u00a0<\/div>\n<div>If you have questions about your legal options, talk to a qualified <a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/family-law\/?fli=dcta\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">family law attorney<\/a> or a local victim advocacy group.<\/div>\n<h2>Seek Help and Legal Assistance<\/h2>\n<p>If you or your family member is under threat of physical harm or is a victim of domestic violence, seek legal help. A\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/family-law\/?fli=dcta\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">family law attorney<\/a>\u00a0can assist you in safety planning.<\/p>\n<p>This might include protective orders or restraining orders. Their legal services will also be helpful for you to understand your rights and achieve criminal justice.<\/p><\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"was-this-helpful\">\n    <div\n            class=\"was-this-helpful__question-container\"\n            aria-labelledby=\"was-this-helpful__question\"\n            role=\"group\"\n    >\n        <span\n                id=\"was-this-helpful__question\"\n                class=\"was-this-helpful__question fl-text-lg-bold\"\n        >Was this helpful?<\/span>\n        <button\n                class=\"was-this-helpful__button fl-text-sm\"\n                aria-label=\"Yes\"\n                value=\"yes\"\n        >\n            <span class=\"was-this-helpful__button-text fl-text-bold\">Yes<\/span>\n            <i class=\"was-this-helpful__button-icon\">\n                <svg width=\"22\" height=\"22\" viewBox=\"0 0 22 22\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\n                    <g id=\"thumbs-up\" clip-path=\"url(#clip0_604_3418)\">\n    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class=\"fa fa-angle-right medium\"\n                        aria-hidden=\"true\"\n                    ><\/i>\n                <\/button>\n                <button\n                    class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback-button was-this-helpful__feedback-button--cancel fl-button primary disabled\"\n                    type=\"reset\"\n                >\n                    <span class=\"fl-button-content\">Cancel<\/span>\n                    <i\n                        class=\"fa fa-times-circle medium\"\n                        aria-hidden=\"true\"\n                    ><\/i>\n                <\/button>\n            <\/div>\n        <\/form>\n    <\/div>\n    <div class=\"was-this-helpful__thank-you-message\" role=\"status\">\n        <i class=\"was-this-helpful__thank-you-message-icon fa fa-check\"><\/i>\n        <p class=\"was-this-helpful__thank-you-message-text\" aria-live=\"polite\"><\/p>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"fl-section-sidebar\"><div class=\"fl-editors-summary\" data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary\">\n    \n    <div class=\"fl-editors-summary-content\" data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content\">\n                    <h2>Can I Solve This on My Own or Do I Need an Attorney?<\/h2>\n                <div class=\"fl-editors-summary-content-main\" data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-main\">\n            \n        <\/div>\n        <ul class=\"fl-list-style-none\">\n                            <li data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-item\">\n                    <i class=\"fa fa-check medium fl-editors-summary-content-item-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                    Victims of domestic violence can press charges against their abuser\n\n                <\/li>\n                            <li data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-item\">\n                    <i class=\"fa fa-check medium fl-editors-summary-content-item-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                    The ability or requirements to 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<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Domestic violence wasn&#8217;t always recognized as a crime. Now, all 50 states have state laws to address domestic violence. Learn more on FindLaw.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":41135,"featured_media":0,"parent":351801,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"app\/Http\/Controllers\/Templates\/ArticleWithBreadcrumbsController.php","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_stopmodifiedupdate":true,"_modified_date":"","_autodraft_ids":[],"_cloudinary_featured_overwrite":false,"_sb_is_suggestion_mode":false,"_sb_show_suggestion_boards":false,"_sb_show_comment_boards":false,"_sb_suggestion_history":"","_sb_update_block_changes":"","_is_real_time_mode":false,"_realtime_collaborators":"","footnotes":"","cf_checklist_status":["SEO Title Length","External Links","Alt Text for All Images","Category Assigned","Rank Math SEO Plugin Validation"]},"categories":[2730],"tags":[],"state_laws_tags":[],"flmsa":[],"class_list":["post-351808","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry","category-family"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/351808","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/41135"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=351808"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/351808\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":401708,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/351808\/revisions\/401708"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/351801"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=351808"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=351808"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=351808"},{"taxonomy":"state_laws_tags","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/state_laws_tags?post=351808"},{"taxonomy":"flmsa","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/flmsa?post=351808"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}