Domestic and dating violence situations can leave you feeling frightened, overwhelmed, and unsure where to turn. At Filler & Hedum Family Law Firm, Kelly Hedum and Sam Filler provide compassionate guidance and strong advocacy to help protect you and your family. As trusted members of the Oviedo community, we’re here when you need us.
Domestic & Dating Violence in Florida:
What You Need to Know
In Florida, domestic violence involves certain harmful acts committed between family or household members, including spouses, former spouses, relatives, people who live together, or parents of a shared child. Dating violence involves violence between individuals who have had a continuing and significant romantic or intimate relationship.
Domestic and dating violence are not limited to physical harm. Allegations may involve assault, battery, stalking, kidnapping, false imprisonment, sexual violence, or other criminal acts. Florida law also allows eligible individuals to seek protective injunctions, commonly called restraining orders, to help provide safety and legal protection while a case moves forward.
Examples of Domestic & Dating Violence:
- Physical violence causing bodily injury or harm
- Threats of violence creating fear of imminent harm
- Stalking through repeated unwanted contact or monitoring
- Sexual assault or other forms of sexual violence
- False imprisonment or preventing someone from leaving
- Kidnapping or unlawful restraint of another person
- Repeated harassment, intimidation, or threatening behavior
- Destruction of personal property as a means of control
- Assault involving a current or former romantic partner
- Battery committed against a family or household member
Domestic Violence vs. Battery
Many people use the terms domestic violence and battery interchangeably, but they are not treated exactly the same under Florida law. Understanding the distinction can help you better understand your rights, the legal process, and the types of protections available to you.
Domestic Violence
Domestic violence is a broader category that applies when certain harmful acts occur between family or household members. It can include offenses like assault, battery, stalking, kidnapping, false imprisonment, or sexual violence. The focus is on both the nature of the conduct and the relationship between the individuals involved in the incident.
Domestic Battery
Battery refers specifically to the intentional touching, striking, or causing bodily harm to another person. When a battery occurs between family or household members, it may be classified as domestic battery. Unlike domestic violence, which can encompass multiple forms of abuse and criminal conduct, battery is limited to physical acts involving unwanted contact or injury.
How We Help With Domestic & Dating Violence Cases in Oviedo
When you come to Filler & Hedum, Kelly and Sam take the time to understand exactly what has happened and what form of protection you need. We help you pursue or respond to injunctions, prepare evidence, gather witness information, navigate court hearings, and address family law issues involving children or living arrangements. Throughout the process, you work directly with Kelly and Sam and receive steady support from attorneys who care deeply about you and your safety.
FAQs
Can I Get an Injunction Even if I Was Not Physically Injured?
Possibly. Florida injunctions are not limited to situations involving physical injuries. Depending on the circumstances, threats, stalking, harassment, or a reasonable fear of imminent violence may support a request for protection. We can review your situation and help you understand your options.
What Happens After an Injunction Is Filed?
A judge will review the petition and may issue a temporary injunction if immediate protection is deemed necessary. A final hearing is then scheduled, where both parties have an opportunity to present evidence and testimony. Kelly and Sam help clients prepare for these hearings and understand what to expect before stepping into court.
Can an Injunction Affect Child Custody or Time-Sharing?
Yes. Allegations of domestic or dating violence can have a significant impact on family law matters, including parental responsibility, time-sharing arrangements, and child exchanges. Courts prioritize the well-being of children when making decisions involving parents.
What Evidence Should I Keep?
Helpful evidence to preserve may include photographs, text messages, emails, social media communications, medical records, witness information, police reports, or documentation of prior incidents. The more information available, the easier it may be to present a clear picture.
What if the Allegations Against Me Are False?
False or exaggerated allegations can still have serious consequences. An injunction may affect where you live, your ability to contact certain individuals, and other aspects of your daily life. If you have been accused, it is important to respond promptly and present your side of the story at the hearing. Contact Kelly and Sam for help in presenting your side of the situation.
Filler & Hedum:
There When You Need ‘Em!
When you’re facing a domestic or dating violence matter, you deserve straightforward answers and attorneys who genuinely care about what happens next. At Filler & Hedum, Kelly Hedum and Sam Filler work directly with you and provide honest guidance and personal attention from start to finish. As longtime members of the Oviedo community, we’re committed to helping our neighbors navigate difficult situations. Contact us today for a free case evaluation.
