Arkansas & U.S. Codes Related
to Domestic ViolenceFAQ: Domestic Abuse & Arkansas Law
What is domestic abuse under Arkansas Law?
"Domestic abuse" means:
(1) Physical harm, bodily injury, assault, or the infliction of fear of imminent physical harm, bodily injury, or assault between family or household members; or
(2) Any sexual conduct between family or household members, whether minors or adults, which constitutes a crime under the laws of this state.
[location in AR Code]
Who is covered under Arkansas’ domestic abuse law?
"Family or household members" means spouses, former spouses, parents and children, persons related by blood within the fourth degree of consanguinity, any children residing in the household, persons who presently or in the past have resided or cohabited together, and persons who have or have had a child in common. [location in AR Code]
What is stalking? Harassment? Terroristic threatening?
Click on each term above to read the definitions in Arkansas Code.
What should *I* do next if the abuser is arrested?
[Below information modified from http://www.nyc.gov/html/ocdv/html/services_police_offenders.html. ]
- Because the abuser may be kept in jail overnight or for just a few hours, it is very important that you develop a safety plan in advance.
- Depending on where you are located, you may receive a call or visit from the local Domestic Violence Prevention Officer who can help you obtain supportive services.
If you have been injured, you should obtain immediate medical attention when necessary. Some hospitals are staffed with Domestic Violence Coordinators or social workers who can provide supportive counseling. Take advantage of their experience!
What happens to the abuser when he or she is arrested?
[Below information modified from http://www.nyc.gov/html/ocdv/html/services_police_offenders.html.]
(*Note – this differs by city and county, therefore the following is a general summary. For more details about your local situation, please contact your local law enforcement agencies.)
If there is an arrest, the batterer will be brought before a judge to hear the charges against him/her. During the arraignment, the judge may set bail or allow a conditional release known as released on his/her own recognizance (ROR).
If the victim does not hear from the District Attorney’s Office, s/he can call the victim services unit of the District Attorney to obtain updated information on the status of the case. The Victim Services Unit can also link the victim to shelter and other social services, as needed.
More FAQS:
Orders of Protection | OOPs & Child Custody | OOPs & Court Hearings | Law Enforcement Q&A