What is the legal definition of domestic abuse in Iowa?
This section defines domestic abuse for the purposes of getting a protective order. Domestic abuse is when someone who you have a specific relationship with commits assault against you.1 Assault is defined as:
- any act that is meant to cause you pain or injury;
- any act that is meant to result in physical contact with you that will be insulting or offensive to you;
- any act that is meant to make you fear immediate physical contact that will be painful, harmful (“injurious”), insulting, or offensive;
- intentionally pointing any firearm toward you or displaying any dangerous weapon towards you in a threatening manner; or
- intentionally pointing a laser showing a visible light beam at you, with the intent to cause you pain or injury, or toward an aircraft.2
1 Iowa Code § 236.2(2)
2 Iowa Code § 708.1(2)