My spouse has never physically attacked me but recently burned my clothes in my front yard and has tortured the family pet.  I think my spouse is dangerous.  Can I get a Domestic Violence Injunction?

Possibly.  Physical contact, such as assault, does not have to have occurred in order for a Domestic Violence Injunction to issue.  The Injunction can be granted if the moving party shows they have reasonable fear of becoming a future victim of domestic violence.

When it comes to determining whether someone has a reasonable fear of becoming the victim of Domestic Violence, the court can consider whether the respondent:

• previously threatened, harassed, stalked, or physically abused the petitioner;
   
• attempted to harm the petitioner or family members or individuals closely associated with the petitioner;
   
• threatened to conceal, kidnap, or harm the petitioner’s child or children;
   
• intentionally injured or killed a family pet;
   
• used, or has threatened to use, against the petitioner any weapons such as guns or knives;
   
• physically restrained the petitioner from leaving the home or calling law enforcement.
   
• a criminal history involving violence or the threat of violence (if known);
   
• another order of protection issued against him or her previously or from another jurisdiction (if known);
   
• destroyed personal property, including, but not limited to, telephones or other communication equipment, clothing, or other items belonging to the petitioner; or
   
• engaged in any other behavior or conduct that leads the petitioner to have reasonable cause to believe he or she is in imminent danger of becoming a victim of domestic violence.

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