Domestic Violence

Be a Lover, Not a Fighter

No one has the right to hurt you. Unfortunately, abuse and threats of abuse between partners and family members is all too common. Abusive behavior may begin with shouting, and escalate to hitting, and in some cases, even deadly force.

Idaho law defines domestic violence as the physical injury, sexual abuse, or forced imprisonment or threat of violence directed toward a child, current or former spouse, partner, cohabitant, boyfriend/girlfriend, or a person with whom the abuser has a child.

Domestic abuse is behavior driven by a need to control. It can range from threats of physical harm, stalking, forced imprisonment, or unwanted sexual touching and hitting.

A person in immediate danger should call 911. The officer will take a written statement, ensure you get safely to a hospital or shelter, and help you file a criminal complaint. If a criminal complaint is filed, the judge will typically issue a no contact order to keep the abuser from contacting you while the case is ongoing.

In addition to criminal complaints, you can also file for a civil protection order to prevent additional domestic abuse. The protection order restrains the abuser from committing further acts of violence, can direct them to leave your household, prevent them from entering your school or workplace, and otherwise prevent all contact with you.

You also have the right to sue for losses suffered as a result of the abuse, including medical and moving expenses, loss of earnings or support, and other out-of- pocket expenses for injuries sustained and damage to your property.