Your Rights in Relation to Domestic Violence
Under F.S.S. 741.28, Domestic Violence is defined as any assault, battery, sexual assault, sexual battery, or any criminal offense resulting in physical injury or death of one family or household member by another, who is or was residing in the same single dwelling unit.
"Family or household member" means spouse, former spouse, persons related by blood or marriage, persons who are presently residing together, as if a family, or who have resided together in the past, as if a family, and persons who have a child in common regardless of whether they have been married or have resided together at any time.
If you have been abused physically or sexually, or if you have reason to fear that you may become a victim of Domestic Violence, this law enables you to file for a Petition for Injunction through a judge to stop the abuse.
The paper to start this process is called a Petition for Injunction for Protection Against Domestic Violence. This explains your situation to the judge and tells the court from whom you need protection.
To file for an injunction, you must go in person to the Orange County Court House at 425 N. Orange Ave, Orlando. There you will be assisted in completing the proper forms by the Domestic Relations Division of the Clerk of the Court.