WomensLaw serves and supports all survivors, no matter their sex or gender.

Legal Information: General

Know the Laws - By State

Please see below for state-specific laws that might be useful for victims and survivors of domestic violence. This information is written in a Q & A format and is meant to provide you with easy-to-understand information. You can also reach us at our Email Hotline if you have more specific questions.

A brief description of the difference between state laws and federal laws.

Information about restraining orders and the consequences for violating an order, including information about criminal and civil contempt.

General information about custody and visitation laws, including modifying a custody order from a new state where you are living.

Information about child support.

This page addresses some general (not state-specific) laws of one parent taking a child out of the state or country without the other parent’s consent.

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

Information about housing laws that offer protections and benefits to victims of domestic violence.

Information on state laws that specifically protect victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking in the workplace.

Information about state laws that provide a privilege of confidentiality for victims of domestic or sexual violence and the non-attorney advocates who help them.

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

Information about state-specific gun laws, including reasons why a person cannot have a gun in your state. 

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

General information about litigation abuse.