Indiana law defines domestic violence as any act committed against a family or household member that results in physical harm, bodily injury, or the threat of violence including, but not limited to:
Domestic Battery: Intentionally causing bodily injury or offensive physical contact to a family or household member. Strangulation: Impeding the normal breathing or blood circulation of a family or household member by applying pressure to their neck or throat.  Stalking: Engaging in a course of conduct that would cause a reasonable person to feel terrorized, frightened, intimidated, or threatened, directed at a family or household member. Invasion of Privacy: Committing certain actions, like recording intimate images without consent, with the intent to harm, harass, or intimidate a family or household member.

To protect victims from further harm, Indiana allows victims of domestic violence to obtain protective orders, commonly known as restraining orders. These orders restrict the alleged abuser from contacting or being within a certain distance of the victim and may also include other protective provisions.

If a false domestic violence accusation is made in Indiana, it can have serious legal consequences. False reporting of domestic violence is a crime, and individuals found guilty of making false accusations can face criminal charges, including filing a false police report or perjury. Additionally, making false accusations can impact the credibility of the accuser if the case goes to court, potentially affecting the overall outcome of the case.

In Indiana, domestic violence allegations can significantly impact child custody and visitation decisions. The court's primary concern is the safety and well-being of the child. If credible evidence of domestic violence is presented, the court may consider it when determining custody and visitation arrangements. In some cases, the court may order supervised visitation, limit contact with the alleged abuser, or impose other safeguards to protect the child.

Family or household members include spouses, ex-spouses, individuals who have a child in common, and those currently or previously living together.

In Indiana, once criminal charges have been filed, it is ultimately up to the prosecutor to decide whether or not to proceed with the case, regardless of the victim's wishes. While a victim's cooperation or desire to drop charges can influence the outcome, the final decision rests with the prosecution. This is because domestic violence cases involve not only the victim's rights but also the state's interest in preventing and addressing domestic violence.

A domestic violence conviction in Indiana can lead to various consequences, including jail or prison time, fines, probation, mandatory counseling or anger management programs, restraining orders, and a criminal record. Additionally, a domestic violence conviction can impact employment opportunities, housing options, and the right to possess firearms.

Yes, therapy or counseling can play a role in domestic violence cases in Indiana. Both the accused and the victim may be ordered by the court to attend counseling or therapy sessions. For the accused, completing counseling programs can be seen as a mitigating factor during sentencing. For the victim, counseling can provide support and help address the emotional and psychological impact of the abuse.