Connecticut Law About Domestic Violence

Connecticut Law About Domestic Violence
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Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-888-774-2900 (English); 1-844-831- 9200 (Spanish)
See Also Domestic Torts, Elder Abuse, Victims' Rights, Child Abuse and Neglect

Research Guides

Connecticut Public Acts

State of Connecticut Judicial Branch

Procedure for the Remote Filing of Temporary Restraining Orders
During the COVID-19 public health emergency, the Judicial Branch has established a procedure to file applications for temporary restraining orders ("TROs") and civil protection orders ("CPOs") without coming to the courthouse.
Filing an Application for a Restraining Order (Forms and Information)
Restraining Orders: How to Apply for Relief from Abuse
JDP-FM-142 (Pamphlet)
Domestic Violence FAQs

Research guides prepared by the Connecticut Judicial Branch law librarians:

Domestic Violence

OLR Research Reports - Office of Legislative Research:

Civil Orders of Protections During the COVID-19 Pandemic - 2020-R-0125
Address Confidentiality Program - 2018-R-0188
Service of Civil Orders of Protection - 2016-R-0332
2016 Domestic Violence Laws - 2016-R-0243
Civil Orders of Protection - 2015-R-0172
Service of Civil Restraining Orders in Certain States - 2014-R-0243
Firearms Possessions and Domestic Violence Restraining or Protective Orders and Convictions - 2014-R-0181
Stalking Laws in New England States - 2012-R-0394
Domestic Violence Registries - 2011-R-0196
Prison Statistics - Violating Protective or Restraining Orders - 2010-R-0085
Criminal Threatening and Domestic Violence - 2010-R-0058
Domestic Violence Primary Aggressor Laws - 2009-R-0460
Housing and Employment Protections for Domestic Violence Victims - 2009-R-0443
Summary of Family Violence Laws - 2009-R-0349
Family Violence Statistics - 2009-R-0367
Protective Orders - 2007-R-0567
Restraining Orders - 2005-R-0861

Connecticut Network for Legal Aid:

Applying for a Temporary Restraining Order (Online class)

Before Asking for a Restraining Order - Things You Need to Know

How to Ask for a Restraining Order

How to Extend a Restraining Order

Puede Protegerse De Violencia En El Hogar Con Una Orden De La Corte

Temporary Family Assistance (State Welfare) (Domestic Violence)

Ayuda en Efectivo Para Familias

Taking Time Off From Work: Domestic Violence Leave

Help for Domestic Violence Victims Living in Federally Subsidized or Public Housing (Video)

VAWA Protecciones para Victimas de Violencia Domestica que Viven en Vivienda Publica (Video)

Judicial Branch Statistics:

Protective/Restraining Orders

Secretary of the State of Connecticut

Address Confidentiality Program

Connecticut Office of the Attorney General

Domestic Violence Resources

Useful Websites

Library Materials

Connecticut Practice, Family Law and Practice with Forms, by Arnold H. Rutkin
- Chapter 22
Domestic Violence Practice and Procedure, by Fredrica L. Lehrman
Family Law and Practice, by Arnold H. Rutkin
- Chapter 6

Search the online catalog for availability and locations.

P.A. 18-05 - An Act Concerning Dual Arrests and the Training Required of Law Enforcement Personnel with Respect to Domestic Violence. OLR Summary
P.A. 14-234 - An Act Concerning Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault. OLR Summary

Connecticut General Statutes

Selected statutes:

Chapter 815a - Orders of Protection and Relief

Sec. 46b-15. Relief from physical abuse, stalking or pattern of threatening by family or household member. Application. Court orders. Duration. Service of application, affidavit, any ex parte order and notice of hearing. Copies. Expedited hearing for violation of order. Other remedies.
Sec. 46b-15a. Foreign order of protection. Full faith and credit. Enforcement. Affirmative defense. Child custody provision. Registration.
Sec. 46b-15b. Duties of Superior Court re applicants for restraining orders in domestic violence situations.
Sec. 46b-15c. Powers of court in family relations matter re taking out-of-court testimony when one party is subject to a protective order, restraining order or standing criminal restraining order. Videoconference hearings permitted. Oaths. Cross-examination.

Sec. 46b-16. Petition to Superior Court for ex parte order temporary care and custody of child when parent arrested for custodial interference. Duration of order.

Chapter 815e - Marriage

Sec. 46b-38a. Family violence prevention and response: Definitions.
Sec. 46b-38b. Investigation of family violence crime by peace officer. Arrest. Assistance to victim. Guidelines. Compliance with model law enforcement policy on family violence. Education and training program. Assistance and protocols for victims whose immigration status is questionable. Exceptions. (2020 Supplement).
Sec. 46b-38h. Designation of conviction of certain crimes as involving domestic violence for purposes of criminal history record information. (2020 Supplement).

Chapter 952 - Penal Code: Offenses

Sec. 53a-40e. Standing criminal protective orders. (2020 Supplement).
Sec. 53a-223a. Criminal violation of a standing criminal protective order: Class D or class C felony.

Chapter 968a - Address Confidentiality Program

Sec. 54-240a. Program purpose. Regulations.
Sec. 54-240c. Certification as program participant. Application requirements.

Click on the link below to search the full-text of the statutes: http://search.cga.state.ct.us/r/statute/dtsearch_form.asp

Connecticut Judicial Branch Court Forms

Filing an Application for a Civil Protection Order

Filing an Application for a Restraining Order

JD-FM-97 Family Violence Education Program, Application, Order, Disposition

JD-FM-137CO Application For Relief From Abuse
JD-FM-138CO Statement of Facts - Relief from Abuse
JD-FM-164 Affidavit Concerning Children
JD-FM-188 Request for Nondisclosure of Location Information

Connecticut Law by Subject