The continuing crime and problem of the physical beating of a wife, girlfriend, husband, boyfriend, or children. Domestic violence is a reason for divorce in states which grant divorces based on fault. Domestic violence victims may seek the protection of law enforcement, the courts and community services, including shelters and protection for those in danger. One of the legal processes often used is a petition for a protective order, which requires the aggressor to keep a certain distance away from the victim and prohibits contact, such as phone calls and other means of harassment.
