{"id":372096,"date":"2016-04-11T01:21:34","date_gmt":"2016-04-11T06:21:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ability-fl-prod.internetbrands.com\/ability-law\/state\/connecticut-law\/connecticut-family-law-on-domestic-violence.html"},"modified":"2025-06-02T12:38:11","modified_gmt":"2025-06-02T17:38:11","slug":"connecticut-family-law-on-domestic-violence","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/connecticut-law\/connecticut-family-law-on-domestic-violence.html","title":{"rendered":"Connecticut Family Law on Domestic Violence"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Connecticut Family Law on Domestic Violence<\/h1>\n
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\n By Kit Yona, M.A.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by John Mascolo, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n

In Connecticut, domestic violence occurs when a member of a family or household is guilty of inflicting or threatening to inflict abuse on another member. While the state of Connecticut doesn’t have a specific domestic violence charge, it is often attached to other offenses<\/a> that fit the criteria.<\/p>\r\n

Whether you’ve suffered abuse or stand accused of a family violence crime<\/a>, it’s important to know the Connecticut domestic violence laws and how they work. In this article, we’ll explain different types of protection orders<\/a>, the protocols law enforcement operates under when responding to a domestic violence dispute, and what changed with the passing of Jennifer’s Law in 2021<\/a>.<\/p>\r\n

Read on to gain a better understanding of how domestic violence is handled under Connecticut law.<\/p>\r\n

Connecticut Law and Family Violence<\/h2>\r\n

Whether it’s referred to as domestic violence or family violence, abuse of a family member or a person in a household is not tolerated in Connecticut. To qualify as domestic violence, certain conditions must be met.<\/p>\r\n

Who Is Considered a Victim of Domestic Violence?<\/h3>\r\n

Domestic violence laws come into play when there’s abuse between members of a family or a household. The severity of the penalties ranges from misdemeanors to felonies. The type of charge depends on many factors, including the seriousness of the crime.<\/p>\r\n

For an offense to be considered domestic violence in Connecticut, those involved must each be one of the following<\/a>:<\/p>\r\n