If you have been the victim of domestic abuse in Pasco County, you may wonder what the system can offer that will protect you. For many victims, the first step to take is to get an injunction for protection against domestic violence.
An injunction for protection against domestic violence (sometimes called a restraining order) is a court document that orders the abuser to stop doing certain things, and also orders the abuser to do certain things. Some things it can make the abuser stop doing include: coming near your home or work, contacting you, and physically abusing you.
An injunction for protection against domestic violence can also order the abuser to leave your home, pay you temporary child support or spousal support, go to treatment, and limit the visitation he or she has with the children.
Even if you have never been physically battered, you can still qualify for an injunction. The judge must have a belief that you are in immediate danger of becoming a victim of domestic violence. In Florida, domestic violence means assault, battery, sexual assault, stalking, kidnapping, false imprisonment, or any criminal offense resulting in the injury or death of a family member.
When determining whether or not a person is in danger of becoming a domestic violence victim, the judge will look at your history, any threats made by the other person against you or your child, any attempts by the other person to harm you or individuals close to you, any threats of using weapons, any violence to family pets, a criminal history, and any destruction of personal property.