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Legal Information: Wisconsin

Restraining Orders

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Updated: 
December 14, 2023

What is the legal definition of child abuse in Wisconsin?

To get a child abuse restraining order, a minor child (under the age of 18) must be the victim of child abuse, which is defined in Wisconsin as:

  • intentional physical injury inflicted on a child (injuring a child on purpose);
  • sexual intercourse or sexual contact with a child;
  • sexual exploitation of a child;
  • intentionally causing a child to listen to or view sexual activity;
  • exposing one’s genitals or pubic area to a child;
  • permitting, allowing, or encouraging a child into prostitution (as defined by law);
  • emotional damage for which parents or guardians neglected or refused to get treatment;
  • trafficking of a child;
  • manufacturing (making) methamphetamine:
    • in the physical presence of a child, or
    • in a child’s home, or
    • under any other circumstances where the child may see, smell or hear the drug being made; or
  • a pregnant woman who regularly uses alcohol or drugs and causes either serious physical harm to the unborn child or the risk of serious physical harm to the child when born.1

1 Wis. Stat. § 48.02(1)(a)-(gm)