In a recent blog, I discussed Orders of Protection and how to obtain one if you are a victim of domestic violence. But what is considered an act of “domestic violence”? Some forms of domestic violence are obvious, such as hitting, pushing, or otherwise physically striking another person. Other forms of domestic violence may be less obvious, such as verbal threats, intimidation, harassment and stalking.
Because domestic violence most frequently happens within families, an Arizona family law attorney can be invaluable in helping protect victims of domestic violence. Likewise, an experienced family law attorney can protect an individual who has been falsely accused of an act of domestic violence. Pursuant to Arizona statutes, the following conduct falls within the broad field of domestic violence:
• Dangerous crimes against children.
• Reckless endangerment.
• Threatening or intimidating a person.
• Threatening to cause injury to a person or threatening to cause serious damage to property.
• Assault (intentional or reckless).
• Intentionally placing another person in reasonable apprehension (fear) of injury.
• Knowingly touching another person with intent to injure, insult, or to provoke.
• Custodial interference without lawful right to keep a child from the other party (exceptions may apply).
• Unlawful imprisonment (knowingly restraining a person from leaving).
• Criminal trespass (breaking in or refusing to leave another’s property).
• Intentionally damaging someone else’s property.
• Disorderly conduct.
• Recklessly displaying a weapon.
• Use of a telephone or other communication to terrify, intimidate, threaten, harass, annoy or offend (may include obscene language).
• Anonymous telephone calls.
• Stalking or following a person with no legitimate purpose.
• Surveillance of another person for no legitimate purpose.
• Making false reports to a law enforcement or social service agency.
If you have been the victim of one of these acts, by law you are a victim of domestic violence. For more information on protecting yourself or a family member when an abusive, unhealthy relationship exists, or where domestic violence is an issue, please contact myself, Arizona Family Law attorney Tim Durkin at 480-779-7972. JacksonWhite’s Mesa office serves the East Valley, Tempe, Chandler, Gilbert, Mesa, Apache Junction, Queen Creek, Scottsdale, and other surrounding areas of Arizona. Our Peoria office serves the West Valley, Glendale, Surprise, North Phoenix, Litchfield Park, Tolleson, Sun City and surrounding areas of Arizona.