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Minnesota Domestic Abuse
Domestic Abuse and harassment may
be a significant issue prompting one party or the other to end a
relationship or it may be conduct that occurs when the relationship
is falling apart. Domestic Abuse and Harassment may have some
overlapping characteristics but are separate actions with different
standards and remedies.
Domestic Abuse actions apply to spouses, former spouses,
parents and children or other persons related by blood, persons who
are or were cohabiting or involved in a romantic or sexual
relationship or a man or woman if the woman is alleged to be
pregnant by the man. Physical harm, bodily injury, assault,
infliction of fear of imminent physical harm, bodily injury or
assault, terroristic threats, criminal sexual conduct or
interference with an emergency call are conduct covered by the
Domestic Abuse laws.
Harassment actions do not require the “family relationship”
required for a domestic abuse action and may apply to conduct of
relatives, friends, neighbors or acquaintances that includes a
single incident of physical or sexual assault or repeated incidents
of intrusive or unwanted acts, words, or gestures substantially and
adversely affecting or intended to substantially adversely effect
the safety, security, or privacy of another without regard to
relationship, targeted residential picketing, a pattern of attending
public events after being told that their presence is harassing to
another.
At Perusse & Associates we recognize that Domestic abuse and
harassment can have a significant impact on the physical and
emotional safety of you and your children and we will help you take
appropriate steps to protect you and your children.
Minnesota's Domestic Abuse Act
provided an action for an order for protection (OFP) in cases of
domestic abuse; describes the relief available in OFP proceedings;
establishes procedures for OFP proceedings; and contains penalties
for violation of an OFP.
The Domestic Abuse act defines
domestic abuse as physical harm, bodily injury, or assault, the
infliction of fear or imminent physical harm, bodily injury, or
assault by a family or household member.
If you are in an abusive relationship, seek help
immediately. The following
website has many great resources for those suffering with domestic
abuse in Minnesota:
http://www.domesticabuseproject.org/ |
