Family law
Domestic violence
Abuse by a family or household member. Florida's definition covers crimes such as assault, battery, sexual assault, stalking, kidnapping and false imprisonment by one family or household member against another.[1]
In more detail
California's courts describe abuse more broadly, including emotional and financial control as well as physical harm.[2] Domestic violence affects whether mediation is appropriate and how custody is decided.[2][3]
Varies by state
Legal definitions differ by state and by purpose, such as criminal law, protective orders or custody. Find your state’s rules.
Related terms
- Domestic violence screening in mediationThe safeguards courts and mediators use when there has been domestic violence between the parties, from screening questions before mediation to safety measures, or not mediating at all.
- Restraining orderA court order that can require a person to stay away from and not contact someone, and sometimes to move out or stay away from children or other family members.
- Supervised visitationVisits in which a neutral adult, a professional provider or another approved person watches and listens while a parent spends time with the child.
- InjunctionA court order that stops one or more parties from taking some action.
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Sources
The official documents this definition is based on, with the date we last read each one. Definitions are in our own words.
General information, not legal advice. MediationList is not a law firm. Spotted an error? Tell us.
Cite this page
MediationList. (2026, October 28). Domestic violence: Definition. https://mediationlist.com/glossary/domestic-violence/
APA 7th ed. A retrieval date is included only for pages whose content changes, such as maps, data and tools.