{"id":372871,"date":"2016-04-11T01:22:14","date_gmt":"2016-04-11T06:22:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/state\/hawaii-law\/hawaii-family-law-on-domestic-violence.html"},"modified":"2025-07-30T10:50:21","modified_gmt":"2025-07-30T15:50:21","slug":"hawaii-family-law-on-domestic-violence","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/hawaii-law\/hawaii-family-law-on-domestic-violence.html","title":{"rendered":"Hawaii Family Law on Domestic Violence"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Hawaii Family Law on Domestic Violence<\/h1>\n
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\n By Kit Yona, M.A.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Bridget Molitor, JD<\/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

Hawaii family law offers protection to domestic violence victims and punishment to domestic abuse offenders. Domestic violence abuse can be defined in many ways<\/a>, and victims can find themselves trapped in a vicious cycle of threats, violence, and abuse.<\/p>\r\n

Both the state of Hawaii and other organizations<\/a> are dedicated to providing safety and relief for victims of domestic violence. Another way for victims to help themselves is by familiarizing themselves with Hawaii’s domestic violence laws.<\/p>\r\n

In this article, we’ll go over the charges, penalties, and protections involved with domestic violence under Hawaii law. Our overview of restraining orders<\/a> explains how to get one, how they work, and the punishments for violation. Read on for a better understanding of Hawaii family law on domestic violence.<\/p>\r\n

Domestic Violence and Hawaii Laws: How They Work Together<\/h2>\r\n

Domestic violence offenses in Hawaii are not often stand-alone charges. They’re attached to certain crimes between people in specific relationships. Categorizing a crime as a domestic violence offense offers different protections for victims and the possibility of enhanced penalties for abusers.<\/p>\r\n

Hawaii Domestic Violence: Victims and Abusers<\/h3>\r\n

Most domestic violence abuse cases involve an abuser and at least one victim. What makes them different from a regular criminal charge is the connection between the people involved<\/a>. To be considered domestic violence in Hawaii, a crime must occur between people under the following classifications:<\/p>\r\n