Seattle Family Law Attorneys

Domestic Violence Lawyer Frequently Asked Questions

What is domestic violence?

Domestic violence, also called domestic abuse or spousal abuse, is the emotional, physical, or sexual abuse of an intimate partner or family member.  Domestic violence also includes making threats and can involve anyone who is in any type of family relationship, past or present.   

What is emotional abuse?

Emotional abuse occurs when another person:

• Continually criticizes you, calls you names or shouts at you
• Insults your friends and family with the intent of driving them away from you
• Humiliates you in public and private settings
• Prevents you from working and controls your money and decisions
• Refuses to work or share money with you
• Takes your car or money away from you
• Threatens you or tells you to leave
• Threatens to kidnap your children and steal your property
• Abuses your pets to hurt you
• Manipulates and lies to you

What is physical abuse?

Physical abuse occurs when someone:

• Pushes or shoves you
• Holds you against your will
• Slaps or bites you
• Kicks or chokes you
• Hits or punches you
• Throws objects at you
• Locks you out of your house
• Abandons you in dangerous places
• Refuses to help you when you are sick, injured or pregnant
• Forced you off the road by driving recklessly
• Threatens to harm you with a weapon

What is sexual abuse?

Sexual abuse occurs when someone:

• Rapes you
• Forces sex after physically abusing you or when you are sick
• Minimizes the importance of your feelings about sex
• Criticizes you sexually
• Insists on unwanted or uncomfortable touching

What is a restraining order?

A restraining order is court ordered and prevents a former abuser from contacting you or from coming within a certain distance of where you are.  Restraining orders are issued by judges and are legally binding.

What is an order of protection?

An order of protection prohibits a person who is named on the order from having any contact with the person who petitioned the order.   Orders of protection are created to ensure the petitioner’s safety and well-being.

Contact a Seattle Family Law Attorney today with any specific questions you may have about domestic violence!