ABA Family Legal Guide

Family Law

Marriage

Domestic Violence

What kinds of actions are considered domestic violence?

Domestic violence statutes in most states apply not only to physical attacks, but also to other types of conduct. Examples of conduct that could be considered domestic violence include creating a disturbance at a spouse's place or work, making harassing telephone calls, stalking, and threatening a spouse or family member (even though the threat may not have been carried out.)