Indiana Domestic Violence Resources

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Domestic violence is a particularly pervasive problem because it can go on regularly within the four walls of the home, which is supposed to be a safe haven from all the dangers of the outside world.  Each state has its own remedies and methods for obtaining a solution; however, there is a similar general process that most states follow when dealing with issues of domestic violence. 

 

Domestic Violence Order for Protection

 

Indiana law defines domestic violence as when a family or household member attempts to cause, threatens to cause, or actually causes you physical harm; places you in fear of physical harm; stalks you; causes you to involuntarily engage in a sexual activity by force, threads, or duress; and any other commission of physical abuse. The court will look at the existing relationship between you and the alleged abuser and make a determination as to whether or not your case is to be considered domestic violence.

 

Indiana law provides for a domestic violence order for protection for victims of domestic abuse.  There are two types of orders: an ex parte order of protection and a fianal order of protection.  An ex parte order can last up to two years and may be given to you on the day you file your Petition for an Order of Protection if the judge believes you are in imminent danger.  However, an ex parte order is unlikely to last very long without the alleged abuser being given a chance to give his or her side of the story.  Generally, the ex parte order of protection will be issued for the length of time that you have to wait until your hearing for a final order for protection, at which time the alleged abuser will be given a chance to defend him or herself.

 

After you file your Petition for an Order for Protection, you will be given a hearing date, and the court will serve your alleged abuser with the appropriate paperwork that will notify him or her of the hearing date.  After you and your alleged abuser are each given a chance to give your respective sides of the story, the judge will decide whether or not to issue a final order of protection.  If your petition is granted, it will not run beyond two years. However, you may apply for a renewal which may be granted subsequent to a hearing.

 

If, after your hearing, you are granted a domestic violence order for protection, it is likely to do the following things: order the abuser not to commit or threaten acts of domestic violence towards you or your children; prohibit the abuser from harassing you through any medium; order the abuser to stay away from your work, school, home, and any other necessary location; remove your abuser from your shared residence, no matter who is the owner; give you possession of the home and automobile; and provide any other form of relief that is necessary to protect you and your family.

 

Finding Domestic Violence Resources

 

The National Domestic Violence Hotline can be reached at 1-800-799-7233 and is operational 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and in more than 100 languages. It can help you find nearby domestic violence shelters, emergency shelters, legal help, and social service programs.

 

The Feminist Majority Foundation has put together a database of national organizations that can help victims of domestic violence get relief from their abuser. 

 

Resources for residents of Indiana who have been victims of domestic violence can be found here.