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National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or (TTY) 1-800-787-3224

Know the Laws

These pages include plain language legal information about state, federal, and tribal laws related to domestic violence and sexual assault.


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If you choose an area of law that is based on state law, you will be asked to choose your state to read about  that state's laws.  Once you choose a state, this site will remember your state until you change it or log out of your browser.

State Laws

  • State Law Overview

    Most of the laws related to domestic violence and sexual assault are state laws.

  • Restraining Orders

    A restraining order is a legal order requiring one person to stop harming another.

  • Custody

    A custody order determines who is responsible for caring, providing housing, and making decisions for a child.

  • Parental Kidnapping

    This page addresses the laws of taking your child away from another parent without that parent's consent.

  • Divorce

    This page addresses the laws about ending your marriage and dividing your property and debts.

  • Crimes

    Most of the crimes related to domestic violence and sexual assault are based on state law.

  • Gun Laws

    If there is a restraining order in effect, your abuser may be required not to possess any firearms.

  • Suing Your Abuser

    You may have a right to sue your abuser for medical costs, destroyed property, or other damages.

Federal Laws

  • Immigration

    Immigration information for victims of domestic violence or sexual abuse

  • Military

    Information about military protection orders and confidentiality on military bases

Tribal Law

  • Tribal Law

    Information about tribal protection orders and other remedies.

Religious Law