Abusive relationships are often resolved only through intervention. County and circuit courts can order an abusive family or household member to stay away stay away from you, your home, your work, and your family.

A family or household member means spouses, former spouses, parents, children, your child’s parent, blood relatives, in-laws, current or previous roommates, and current or previous dating partner.

Too often, prosecutors or police officers do not pursue domestic abuse. Other times, those injured may not feel comfortable pursuing a remedy in criminal courts.

Domestic tort law offers guidance regarding: (list is non-exhaustive)

Sexual battery, rape, fraudulent misrepresentation of birth control practice (stealthing), revenge porn, intentionally preventing assistance, false imprisonment

Tortious interference could arise when someone intentionally harms your business relationship or prevents you from completing a contract. A family or household member means spouses, former spouses, parents, children, your child’s parent, blood relatives, in-laws, current or previous roommates, and current or previous dating partner.

These claims typically arise from disputes over the sale of goods or in real estate transactions, but also fall under the domestic tort category if the fraud or misrepresentation is tied to an intimate relationship.