The California Domestic Violence Prevention Act defines domestic violence as, “Intentionally or recklessly causing or attempting to cause bodily injury.”
In addition, it says, “Placing a person in reasonable apprehension of imminent serious bodily injury to the person or to another. Engaging in any behavior that has been or could be illegal, such as molesting, attacking, striking, stalking, threatening, battering, harassing, destroying personal property, contracting the other by mail, telephone, or otherwise, disturbing the peach of the other party.”
If you are a victim of domestic violence, you have many options, which include:
· Filing criminal charges
· Seeking a protective order against the abuser
The protective order is a court order obtained in the county where the victim lives. You must show evidence of abuse in order to receive this. A protective order requires the abuser to leave home immediately, and includes orders for the abuser to keep away from the victim’s home, office or child’s school.
Domestic abuse is a serious issue in California. No one has the right to hit or abuse another person.
If you are afraid for your safety and need help in filing for a protective order, contact Amy M. Montes, an experienced Orange County Family Law attorney to discuss your options and the relief to which you are entitled and deserve.
