Domestic violence law and the term "domestic violence" usually refers to crimes involving domestic abuse, such as child abuse and child neglect, spousal abuse or domestic-partner abuse, and elder abuse. Domestic abuse isn't just physical; it also covers the threats, emotional abuse, harassment, and stalking that a spouse, partner, or date uses to control someone else's behavior. The abuse can be directed against anyone: children, former partners, roommates, and parents, but it is most typically directed against women. Domestic violence is a crime in all 50 states. However, in addition to cooperating with the prosecution of criminal charges, the victim of domestic violence can file civil charges. Read the following domestic violence information to learn more about domestic violence law, domestic abuse law and spousal abuse. You can locate a domestic violence lawyer, attorney or a child abuse lawyer by using the lawyer search directory.

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Domestic Violence Articles

State Specific Resources

-   State Criminal Codes & Statutes -   Criminal Process in Your State

-   State Crime Victim Assistance Websites -   State Domestic Relations and Family Codes Websites

Articles

-   Restraining Orders -   Health Care Provider Duties to Report Child Abuse

-   Legal Consequences of Abuse -   What You Need to Know About Elder Abuse

-   Dealing with Domestic Abuse -   Legal Name Changes: A New Start as Yourself

Hot Topics

-   Co-Sleeping Can Mean Danger for Babies and Parents -   Sheltering Pets to Protect Domestic Violence Victims

-   Child Abuse and Neglect: What's In a Name? -   Spare the Rod: Is Spanking Child Abuse?

-   Raised Voices: The Unborn Victims of Violence Act -   Reporting Child Abuse: Who is Responsible?

-   Working with Child Services to Get Your Child Back

Domestic Violence FAQs

-   Domestic Violence and Abuse FAQ

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-   Last Will and Testament -   Power of Attorney

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Domestic Violence Lawyers for Select Cities

- Atlanta Domestic Violence Lawyers - Boston Domestic Violence Lawyers - Chicago Domestic Violence Lawyers - Dallas Domestic Violence Lawyers - Los Angeles Domestic Violence Lawyers - Miami Domestic Violence Lawyers - New York Domestic Violence Lawyers - Philadelphia Domestic Violence Lawyers - San Francisco Domestic Violence Lawyers - San Diego Domestic Violence Lawyers

Ask a Lawyer - Domestic Violence Law questions answered by leading lawyers Can you leagally video tape someone to get proof of domestic violence if both parties are not aware A friend is having trouble with her ex just because he is a principal he is getting away with things. He puts on a big show and law enforcement, even if they arrest him just drop. She was hit in the eye and since it was dark and it wasn''t on survalence cameras they cops wont'' do anything. Can I be compensated for a domestic injury and also after spending over 8 years with this person also, I fell and broke my arm in January, 2011 on his property. Are witnesses allowed to testify for the defense at a preliminary hearing in a domestic case? My friend falsely accused a man for domestic violence, he''s being charged with two counts of Home Invasion and a Domestic Battery in the state of Illinois. She wants to testify that it was not him and why she blamed him at his preliminary hearing. Also what are the Illinois state case laws to support witnesses in a domestic violence preliminary hearing for the defense? view more...