Imagine that you are in a relationship with someone who has been emotionally and physically abusive. You have been trying to leave the relationship for some time, but your partner keeps finding ways to make you stay. You finally have the courage to leave, but your partner won't let you go easily. They start showing up at your house uninvited, calling you constantly, or even following you when you leave. This can be extremely frightening and may make you feel like you're trapped.

What is domestic violence?

In general, domestic violence is described as a standard or pattern of conduct between two people that is utilized to create or maintain a power-imbalance and control over an intimate partner. This abuse can be physical, sexual, emotional, economic, or psychological actions or threats that influence another person. This includes any and all behaviors that intimidate, manipulate, humiliate, isolate, frighten, terrorize, coerce, threaten, blame, hurt, injure, or wound someone.

While there are many forms of domestic violence, Indiana law specifically defines it as the occurrence of one or more of these following acts by a family or household member against another family or household member:

(1) Attempting to cause bodily injury to another person; or
(2) Intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly causing bodily injury to another person; or
(3) Committing battery against another person.

How Does Indiana Define Domestic Violence?

In Indiana, the legal definition of domestic violence includes any type of physical, sexual, emotional, or financial abuse that occurs between family or household members. This includes current and former spouses, people who are dating or have dated in the past, people who are related by blood or marriage, and people who live together or have lived together in the past.

If you are a victim of domestic violence, you may be wondering what your legal options are. You may be in the process of considering filing for a protective order, also known as a restraining order. A protective order is a legal document that orders the abuser to stop the abusive behavior and stay away from the victim.

If you are considering filing for a protective order, it is important to understand the different types of orders that are available. There are three main types of protective orders in Indiana:

1. No contact order: This type of order prohibits the abuser from having any contact with the victim. This includes contact in person, by phone, by email, or through social media.
2. Limited contact order: This type of order allows the abuser to have limited contact with the victim. The amount and type of contact will be specified in the order.
3. Stay away order: This type of order requires the abuser to stay a certain distance away from the victim. The distance will be specified in the order.

If you are a victim of domestic violence, it is important to know that you have options. You can file for a protective order to keep yourself and your family safe.

Types of domestic violence

There are many different types of domestic violence, and it can happen to anyone regardless of age, gender, race, or socioeconomic status. Some of the most common types of domestic violence include:

Homicide

Domestic violence homicides are usually the result of years of abuse. In many cases, the victim had previously attempted to leave the relationship but was pulled back in by the abuser.

Child abuse

Unfortunately, children are often caught in the middle of domestic violence situations. They may witness the abuse, be used as a pawn by the abuser, or even be abused themselves.

Sexual abuse

Sexual abuse is any form of sexual violence, including forced sex, rape, and sexual assault. Sexual abuse can happen in heterosexual and same-sex relationships.

Financial abuse

Financial abuse is a typical form of domestic violence. It can involve controlling the victim's finances, preventing them from working or forcing them to give the abuser money.

Emotional abuse

Emotional abuse is any form of verbal or nonverbal abuse that causes psychological trauma.

Battery

Battery is a type of physical violence that involves hitting, punching, kicking, or using any other type of force against the victim.

Kidnapping or confinement

Kidnapping or confinement is a type of physical violence that involves holding the victim against their will. This can include locking them in a room, tying them up, or keeping them from leaving the house.

Human and sexual trafficking

Human trafficking is a type of modern-day slavery. It involves the use of force, fraud, or coercion to exploit victims for labor or sex.

Sex offenses

Sex offenses are any type of sexual violence, including rape, sexual assault, and child molestation.

Dating violence

Dating violence is a type of domestic violence that occurs between people who are dating or have dated in the past. It can involve physical, emotional, or sexual abuse.

Stalking

Stalking is a type of domestic violence that involves repeated communication, harassment, or threats from the abuser. It can happen in person, by phone, by mail, or online.

A crime against a family member

A crime against a family member is any type of domestic violence that is committed against a family member, including a spouse, child, or parent.

Domestic violence resources in Indiana

Domestic violence is a serious problem in Indiana. If you are a victim of domestic violence, it is important to know that you have options. You can file for a protective order to keep yourself and your family safe. You can also contact a local domestic violence shelter or the National Domestic Violence Hotline for help.

Another resource for help includes contacting a domestic violence attorney in Indianapolis.

A domestic violence attorney can help you file for a protective order, represent you in court, and provide you with legal advice. They can also help you connect with local resources, such as shelters and support groups. If you are a victim of domestic violence, don't hesitate to reach out to an attorney for help.

Conclusion

Domestic violence is a type of abuse that can happen to anyone in a relationship. It can involve physical, emotional, or sexual abuse, and it can happen in person or online. If you are a victim of domestic violence, there are resources available to help you. You can contact a domestic violence attorney for help. They can provide you with legal advice and represent you in court. You can also contact a local domestic violence shelter or the National Domestic Violence Hotline for help. Don't hesitate to reach out for help if you are a victim of domestic violence.