Domestic Violence
What is the definition of “domestic violence?” Who would be included in “domestic”?
The State of Michigan Act creating the Michigan Domestic Violence Prevention and Treatment Board defines domestic violence as: The occurrence of any of the following acts by a person that is not an act of self-defense: causing or attempting to cause physical or mental harm to a family or household member; placing a family or household member in fear of physical or mental harm; causing or attempting to cause a family or household member to engage in involuntary sexual activity by force, threat of force, or duress; and/or engaging in activity toward a family or household member that would cause a reasonable person to feel terrorized, frightened, intimidated, threatened, harassed, or molested. “Domestic” is defined as “Family or Household Members", including:
- A spouse or former spouse
- Someone with whom you live
- An individual with whom the person has or has had a dating relationship
- An individual with whom the person is or has engaged in a sexual relationship
- An individual to whom the person is related or was formerly related by marriage
- An individual with whom the person has a child in common
The National Sexual Assault Online Hotline
Help and support for victims of sexual assault who may be unable or unsafe using a national telephone hotline.
*Information provided by the Department of Human Services.
What should I do if I (or someone I know) am being abused?
Seek help immediately! Call your local police. An Attorney also can assist you in getting a court order called a restraining order. This orders the abuser to stay away from you. If he, or she, violates the order, any police can arrest him/her on the spot. Three national organizations can also provide information and help connect you to their local domestic violence or sexual assault agency:
The National Domestic Violence Hotline (NDVH)
1-800-799-SAFE (1-800-799-7233)
1-800-787-3224 (TTY)
www.ndvh.org
The Rape, Abuse and Incest National Network (RAINN)
1-800-656-HOPE (1-800-656-4673)
www.rainn.org
National Teen Dating Abuse Hotline Number
Just for teens. You can talk one-on-one with a trained advocate 24/7 who can offer support and connect you to resources.
1-866-331-9474
1-866-331-8453 (TTY)
www.loveisrespect.org
The National Sexual Assault Online Hotline
Help and support for victims of sexual assault who may be unable or unsafe using a national telephone hotline.
apps.rainn.org/ohl-bridge/
*Information provided by the Department of Human Services
For a lawyer's expertise on Michigan domestic violence laws, call attorney Robert Nickerson for an appointment at (810)987-3009 or fill out our Contact Form.
