Assault, Domestic Violence, Stalking, Elder Abuse

assault

unlawfully threatening to harm another person, actually harming another person, or attempting to do so

• no physical contact required

battery

the actual carrying out of threats

• physical contact required

simple assault

intentionally causes another person to fear immediate bodily harm or death

aggravated assault

unlawful attack by one person on another to inflict serious bodily injury

domestic violence

a pattern of behaviors involving physical, sexual, economic, and emotional abuse, to establish and maintain control over another person within a household or family environment

cycle of violence

• tension-building phase

• acute battering episode

• honeymoon phase

Lautenberg Act

prohibits anyone convicted of domestic violence from owning or using a firearm or possessing ammunition

restraining order

court-issues document that aims to restrict an alleged abuser’s behavior and protect the intended victim

full faith and credit

an order issued anywhere in the country is legally binding and enforceable nationwide

stalking

pattern of repeated and unwanted attention and contact that causes fear or concern for one’s safety or the safety of someone else

elder abuse

the physical, sexual, and emotional abuse; financial exploitation; and general neglect of an elderly person