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 which is defined as:
- any act that is intended to cause you pain or injury;
- any act that is intended to result in physical contact, which will be insulting or offensive to you;;
- any act that is intended to place you in fear of immediate physical contact, which will be painful, 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.2
1 IA ST § 236.2(2)
2 IA ST § 708.1(2)