What is Domestic Violence?
Domestic violence includes any violent act or crime directed toward or against a family or household member. These acts or crimes may involve physical harm, sexual assault, fear of physical harm or any other crime as defined by law. Family or household members can be defined as spouses, former spouses, those living together as if a spouse of the other person, adults related by blood or marriage and those who have a biological or legal parent-child relationship.
What is Domestic Battery?
According to Indiana Code 35-42-2-1.3, domestic battery is defined as a person who knowingly or intentionally touches a person who:
(1) is or was a spouse of the other person;
(2) is or was living as if a spouse of the other person; or
(3) has a child in common with the other person;
in a rude, insolent or angry manner that results in bodily injury to the person describe in subdivision (1), (2) or (3) commits domestic battery, a Class A misdemeanor. However the offense is a Class D felony if the person has a previous, unrelated conviction under this section (or IC 35-42-2-1(a)(2)(E) before its repeal).
What is the Domestic Violence Unit?
The Domestic Violence Unit is a specialty unit within the Prosecutor’s Office created to address the unique needs of domestic violence cases within Monroe County. The Domestic Violence Unit is staffed by two deputy prosecutors with education and training in criminal justice, psychology, social work, public administration and mental health.
What does the Domestic Violence Unit do?
The Unit aggressively prosecutes crimes of domestic violence; collaborates with organizations in the community, such as Middle Way House and the Domestic Violence Task Force; trains law enforcement and criminal justice staff on domestic violence; works with victims of domestic violence, providing support, information on the criminal process and referrals to social services.
What is a crime of domestic violence?
The crime of domestic violence is broadly defined to include any crime committed by and against an intimate partner, such as boyfriend-girlfriend, spouse, ex-spouse, same sex, and persons with a child in common. The most typical crimes committed include the following:
- battery,
- domestic battery,
- invasion of privacy,
- stalking,
- intimidation, and
- confinement.
Notice of Victims' Rights
What to Expect Before and After Filing a Police Report
Protective Orders and No Contact Orders
How To Get Help:
The link below will direct you to a printable instruction booklet. This booklet explains how to fill out forms for a case in which the Petitioner is seeking protection for himself or herself, not on behalf of a child. If you want to apply for an Order for Protection on behalf of a child, please ask the Clerk of the Court for the proper Instruction booklet and Petition. It explains how to fill out the Petition and Confidential Form. It also contains some Instructions for Respondents. These Instructions cannot cover all of the problems and questions that may arise in a particular case. If you do not know what to do to protect your rights, you should see an attorney.
Printable Forms