{"id":376836,"date":"2016-04-11T01:24:12","date_gmt":"2016-04-11T06:24:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/state\/vermont-law\/vermont-family-law-on-domestic-violence.html"},"modified":"2026-05-06T12:55:43","modified_gmt":"2026-05-06T17:55:43","slug":"vermont-family-law-on-domestic-violence","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/vermont-law\/vermont-family-law-on-domestic-violence.html","title":{"rendered":"Vermont Family Law on Domestic Violence"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Vermont Family Law on Domestic Violence<\/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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Vermont<\/span> domestic violence<\/span> laws provide legal protections for victims and penalties for abusers who commit acts of violence, threats, or abuse against family or household members<\/span>. The primary protection is a Relief from Abuse<\/span> (RFA) order, which is a court order<\/span> that can prevent contact and impose other restrictions on the abuser. Violations of these orders can result in jail time, fines, and additional criminal charges.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n\n\n\n

Domestic violence<\/span> crimes are not tolerated under Vermont<\/span> law<\/span>. The state has punishments in place for offenders and protections for victims<\/u><\/a> designed to interrupt the endless cycle of intimidation, abuse, and violence.<\/p>\n

If you’re experiencing domestic abuse<\/span> in Vermont<\/span>, figuring out what to do and how to protect yourself<\/u><\/a> can be confusing. There’s a lot of information to sift through. To help, we’ve got answers to questions about domestic violence<\/span> in Vermont<\/span>, such as how to get yourself out of danger, what protections to seek<\/u><\/a>, and what a future without abuse might look like.<\/p>\n

If you’d prefer a more straightforward delivery of facts and helpful information, try FindLaw’s Vermont<\/span> Domestic Abuse<\/span> Laws<\/u><\/a> article. Otherwise, read on to learn about domestic abuse<\/span> crimes under family law<\/span> in Vermont<\/span>.<\/p>\n

Does Domestic Violence<\/span> Only Take Place Between a Married Couple?<\/strong><\/h2>\n

It can, but it’s not limited to spouses. Anyone considered a family or\u00a0household member<\/span>\u00a0under Vermont<\/span>\u00a0family law<\/span>\u00a0qualifies. They must share one of the following relationships<\/u><\/a> with someone for an offense to be domestic abuse<\/span>:<\/p>\n