Many people are familiar with the concept of domestic violence as violence or abuse between people who are married or couples who share a child. However, dating violence is also subject to criminal penalties. Dating violence can include many different types of violence perpetrated by someone against another person whom he or she is dating. The violence may take the form of assault, battery, sexual assault , stalking, kidnapping, false imprisonment, the aggravated form of any of the foregoing, and other crimes.
If you have been charged with an offense of this nature, or are worried about a petition for a dating violence injunction, the seasoned St. Petersburg dating violence attorneys at Hanlon Law may be able to help.
Under Florida Statutes section A court examining whether this type of relationship is in place must look at certain factors. They will look at whether the dating relationship has existed within the last 6 months, whether the relationship was characterized by an expectation of sexual involvement or affection, and the frequency and type of interaction that has occurred between the people involved.
Dating violence does not exist where victim and perpetrator are casual acquaintances or have socialized only at parties or for business. When someone is the victim of dating violence, she or he can ask for an injunction for protection from dating violence against the perpetrator.
This is separate from the criminal charges that may be filed for dating violence. If you are subject to this type of injunction, your life may be significantly changed. This injunction can affect where you go, your contact with the victim, and other aspects of your life.
