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Legal Information: Virginia

Restraining Orders

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Laws current as of July 8, 2024

What is the legal definition of domestic violence in Virginia?

This section defines domestic violence for the purposes of getting a protective order.

In Virginia, domestic violence is referred to as family abuse. “Family abuse” is when a family or household member:

  • commits any act involving violence, force, or threat that results in physical injury; or
  • places you in reasonable fear of death, sexual assault, or bodily injury.1

Such acts include, but are not limited to: 

  • forceful detention; 
  • stalking; 
  • criminal sexual assault; or
  • any criminal offense that results in bodily injury or places you in reasonable fear of death, sexual assault, or bodily injury.1

1 Va. Code § 16.1-228

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