About Domestic Violence
Domestic violence claims the lives of hundreds of women each year. It
is important that anyone, male or female, report abuse to the police immediately. They may be able to find a shelter for you
and your children. If a shelter is unavailable, look for housing with a friend or a relative. It is important to get out of
a violent relationship before it reaches the fatal stage. Many states have passed laws which require the police to arrest
one or both spouses if either seems to have hurt the other. There may be a mandatory cool down period.

You may seek an injunction or court order to have your spouse removed
from the home and which requires them to keep a certain physical distance. You may also want to use the antistalking law,
if your state has one.
Protective Orders
A protective order is any order issued by a court in order to protect
someone from harassment or from injury. Most orders are issued by a court at the request of one of the parties. The other
party may then appear before the judge to make their case at a later time. Once the court reviews the case, a new restraining
order may be issued, with a longer duration. A protective order may even be made permanent, if conditions warrant.