{"id":374475,"date":"2016-03-31T21:35:48","date_gmt":"2016-04-01T02:35:48","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/state\/missouri-law\/missouri-domestic-violence-laws.html"},"modified":"2026-04-27T11:13:16","modified_gmt":"2026-04-27T16:13:16","slug":"missouri-domestic-violence-laws","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/missouri-law\/missouri-domestic-violence-laws.html","title":{"rendered":"Missouri Domestic Violence Laws"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Missouri Domestic Violence Laws<\/h1>\n\n
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\n By Kit Yona, M.A.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Laura Temme, 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\n\n

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Missouri state law defines domestic violence as criminal acts of abuse committed between family or household members, including spouses, relatives, and those in romantic or intimate relationships. These laws provide relief through orders of protection that can restrict an abuser’s contact and location, and impose enhanced criminal penalties for offenses like domestic assault. Victims can access legal protections and support programs to escape abuse and hold abusers accountable.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n\n\n\n

Experiencing ongoing abuse is awful. When those offenses are committed by someone close to you, it’s even worse. Domestic violence<\/span> crimes<\/u><\/a>\u200b consist of criminal acts between family and household members<\/span>. Missouri<\/span> has several laws to protect victims and punish abusers.<\/p>\n

When it comes to dealing with domestic violence<\/span>, things can get confusing. To help, this article explains what domestic violence<\/span> is, the protections available in Missouri<\/span>, and how to navigate the legal system<\/u><\/a>. Read on to gain a better understanding of domestic violence<\/span> laws<\/span> in Missouri<\/span>.<\/p>\n

How Missouri<\/span> Defines Domestic Violence<\/span><\/h2>\n

Before you can try to stop or escape domestic abuse, it’s important to understand what it is. There are two required elements for domestic violence<\/span> classification<\/u><\/a>\u200b in Missouri<\/span>. Let’s take a look at each one.<\/p>\n

Family Members<\/span> and Household Members<\/span><\/h3>\n

Under Missouri<\/span> law<\/span>, domestic violence<\/span> can’t occur between strangers. One of a set of specific abusive acts must take place between people involved in either a family or household member<\/span> relationship<\/u><\/a>. The relationships that qualify are:<\/p>\n