What laws protect victims of domestic abuse?

In Maryland, victims of domestic abuse are protected by state laws that provide legal recourse to those who have suffered abuse. The state has a number of laws in place that offer civil and criminal remedies for victims of domestic violence. The Maryland Criminal Law Article Section 3-601 makes it a criminal offense to commit an act of abuse against a family or household member. The offense is classified as a misdemeanor, and the penalty for a conviction can include a sentence of up to 10 years in prison and/or a fine of up to $2,500. The state also has a civil remedy for victims of domestic abuse in the form of a Civil Protective Order, which is issued through the court system. A Civil Protective Order is designed to protect the safety of a person who has been abused. The Order can restrict the abuser from having contact with the victim, and can also order the abuser to leave the victim’s residence. Additionally, victims of domestic abuse can seek compensation for medical costs, pain and suffering, lost wages, and other damages by filing a civil lawsuit against their abuser. The lawsuit must be filed in the state of Maryland, and the plaintiff must prove that the defendant committed an act of domestic abuse. All of these laws are designed to protect victims of domestic abuse in Maryland, and provide legal recourse to those who have suffered from abuse. If you or someone you know is a victim of domestic abuse, it is important to contact a legal professional as soon as possible to discuss your options.

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