Know the Laws

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

  General information about custody and visitation laws.

• Parental Kidnapping

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

• Divorce

  General information (not state-specific) about the basic steps to get a divorce.

• Crimes

  General information (not state-specific) about crimes the abuser may have committed.

• State Gun Laws

  If you have a restraining order or if the abuser was convicted of a crime, s/he 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.

• Federal Gun Laws

  Under federal law, which applies to all states, an abuser may lose his right to have a gun.

• 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

• Jewish Divorce Law

  Information about Jewish Get (Divorce) Law.