Domestic Abuse in Indiana Can be Based on Mental Harm

We’ve unfortunately grown used to hearing about domestic abuse involving physical attacks or harm committed by one spouse or partner against the other, or against a child. But in Indiana, domestic abuse includes certain types of non-physical conduct, namely emotional or mental abuse. While of course it’s important to protect families from all forms of abuse, defending against charges of domestic abuse based on emotional or mental abuse can be just as challenging, if not more so, then defending against allegations of physical abuse.

Indiana Definition of Domestic or Family Violence

Indiana defines “domestic or family violence” a number of ways. In addition to physically harming a “family or household member,” it includes: 

• Making threats of physical harm
• Placing the person “in fear of physical harm without legal justification”

Indiana includes the among its list of “crimes involving domestic or family violence” both intimidation and harassment.

Intimidation includes making a number of different types of threats. These include threats that the person making the threat will: 

• Physically harm the other person
• Unlawfully confine the other person
• “Expose” the other person to “hatred, contempt, disgrace, or ridicule”
• Falsely harm the other person’s credit or business reputation
• Retaliate for something that the other person legally did

Harassment can also be construed as domestic violence. In Indiana, the crime of harassment includes doing any of the following things (among others) “with intent to harass, annoy, or alarm another person but with no intent of legitimate communication:” 

• Making a phone call or communicating to the other person by any form of written communication, including over the Internet 
• Sending an “obscene message or indecent or profane words” to the other person

Razumich & Associates Can Defend Against Domestic Violence Accusations

If you’ve been accused of domestic or family violence in Indiana based on alleged threats, intimidation, or harassment, contact Razumich & Associates for help. We understand that there are at least two sides to every story, and not every case of alleged domestic violence is clear-cut. Under our judicial system, you have a right to a strong and effective defense, and Razumich & Associates is here to provide that. Our attorneys understand Indiana’s domestic violence laws, and we will review your case in detail and with compassion and will fight for your rights. 

Call Razumich & Associates today at 317-449-8658 or use our contact form to schedule a confidential consultation to learn more about how we can help.