Domestic Violence

Definition

As defined in Chapter 741, Florida Statutes, domestic violence means one of the following resulting in physical injury or death to any family or household member by another who is, or was, residing in the same single dwelling unit:

Aggravated assault
Aggravated battery
Aggravated stalking
Assault
Battery
False imprisonment
Kidnapping
Sexual assault
Sexual battery
Stalking

Family or household member means:

Former spouses
Persons related by blood or marriage
Persons who are residing together as if a family, or who have resided together in the past as if a family
Persons who have a child in common regardless of whether they have been married or have resided together at any time
Spouses

Right to Petition

Any family or household member who is the victim of any act of domestic violence, or who has reasonable cause to believe (s)he is in imminent danger of becoming the victim of any act of domestic violence, may file a sworn petition with the Clerk & Comptroller for an injunction for protection. A person’s right to petition for protection shall not be affected by the fact the victim left a residence or household to avoid a domestic violence act.