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Legal Information: Iowa

Restraining Orders

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Laws current as of August 5, 2024

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)

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