Domestic Violence Information

If you are currently in immediate or imminent danger due to domestic violence, call 911.

Resources

There are resources available from both the State of Arkansas and locally within Independence County for victims of domestic violence. Please refer to our Domestic Violence Resources page for more information regarding what is available as well as more information on Orders of Protection and No Contact Orders.

What is Domestic Violence?

Legally, domestic violence is abuse or other behavior rising to the level of criminality between two parties (suspect and victim(s)) who share specific relationships. For the offense to fall under domestic violence, both conditions must be met (criminality and relationship). The intent behind these laws is to safeguard victims and help them escape the toxic relationship or environment of abuse, violence and trauma. Though the domestic violence statutes closely mirror other Arkansas laws, there are important distinctions.

What constitutes a "specific relationship"?

When both suspect and victim are family members, household members, or in a dating relationship. Arkansas law defines these relationships more specifically as:

Current or former spouses
Parents and children
Persons related by blood within the fourth degree of consanguinity
In-laws within the second degree of consanguinity
Children residing in the home
Persons currently or formerly residing together
Persons sharing a child
Persons currently or formerly in a dating relationship

What are some key Domestic Violence statutes regarding violence and abuse?

Arkansas law, specifically A.C.A. § 16-81-113 Domestic abuse, both defines domestic abuse and allows officers to arrest someone without a warrant for a period of time afterwards if they have probable cause. The warrantless arrest period after the incident is twelve (12) hours for cases involving physical injury or four (4) hours otherwise even if the incident did not take place in the presence of officers.