Ohio Domestic Violence Laws
In Ohio the legal definition of domestic violence is that almost anything an abuser does to threaten or hurt you or your family is domestic violence and is illegal and must be stopped.
This includes everything from hitting or slapping you or threatening you or your children. If you are experiencing domestic violence you can get a protective order under the domestic violence laws against only certain people such as;
1) Spouse or ex-spouse
2) Parent or step-parent
3) Child or step-child
4) Anyone who lives in your home or has lived in your home in the last five years.
5) Other people related to you by blood or marriage
6) Anyone you have a child with, even if you don’t live together
However, even if you are not covered by Ohio Domestic Violence Laws you still may be able to get a protective order if someone has been convicted of stalking or harassing you.
There is no fee to file a domestic violence protective order. However, if your abuser is represented by an attorney it may be in your best interest to hire one also. If you can not afford an attorney, look in your area for a domestic violence organization. They may be able to refer you to an attorney who will take your case for free.
Before going to court make sure to try and get any evidence that you have to prove your case. This evidence can be any of the following;
1) Police reports
2) Medical reports
3) Pictures of your injuries
4) Tapes of calls to 911
5) Anything else to convince the judge that you suffer from domestic violence
Remember the more evidence you have of the abuse, the better your chances are for getting a domestic violence protective order. Even if you don’t have evidence the judge will still listen to your case and decide if you need a protective order and if so one will be granted.
Don’t let someone abuse you. Domestic violence is a crime and Ohio Domestic Violence Laws are here to protect you.
