Following are questions and answers
concerning domestic violence arranged in what we believe is a logical
sequence. Additional questions and answers are added regularly,
so please visit our site often. Please feel free to make copies
for non-commercial purposes.
Q:
What is domestic violence?
A:
Domestic violence is abuse or violence between members of the same family or related persons. It may consist of:
Sexual assault
Physical abuse
Threats of physical abuse
Stalking
Threatening phone calls
Emotional abuse
Causing a disturbance at work
Other unreasonable dominance or attempt to control causing fear or harm
At least one of the following elements must exist:
The parties are currently married
The parties were formerly married
The parties are living together
The parties were previously living together
The parties have a minor child in common
The parties were dating or engaged to be married
Q:
Does a parent have the legal duty to protect his or her child from
abuse by another person?
A:
Yes. A parent who knows that another person is abusing his or her child and
does nothing to stop the abuse may be criminally prosecuted.
Q:
Other than parents, who is required to report child abuse?
A:
Suspected child abuse must be reported by doctors, nurses, teachers, chiropractors, and social workers.
Q:
Where should child abuse be reported?
A:
To the local police
Q:
What is stalking?
A:
Stalking is conduct consisting of two or more of the following acts carried
out over time that indicates a continuity of purpose:
Approaching or confronting the victim;
Maintaining a physical or visual closeness to the victim;
Appearing at the victim’s residence or contacting his or her neighbors;
Entering property owned or leased by the victim;
Appearing at the victim’s place of work or contacting the victim’s co-workers or employer;
Sending materials to the victim or to the victim's family;
Placing or delivering an object on property owned or leased by the victim, or if intended for
the victim, on the property of a family member, friend, coworker or employer; and
