In this chapter, the following words have the following meanings unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:

(1) ABUSE. An act committed against a victim, which is any of the following:

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Terms Used In Alabama Code 30-5-2

  • circuit: means judicial circuit. See Alabama Code 1-1-1
  • Common law: The legal system that originated in England and is now in use in the United States. It is based on judicial decisions rather than legislative action.
  • Defendant: In a civil suit, the person complained against; in a criminal case, the person accused of the crime.
  • following: means next after. See Alabama Code 1-1-1
  • person: includes a corporation as well as a natural person. See Alabama Code 1-1-1
  • Plaintiff: The person who files the complaint in a civil lawsuit.
  • state: when applied to the different parts of the United States, includes the District of Columbia and the several territories of the United States. See Alabama Code 1-1-1
a. Arson. Arson as defined under Sections 13A-7-40 to 13A-7-43, inclusive.
b. Assault. Assault as defined under Sections 13A-6-20 to 13A-6-22, inclusive.
c. Attempt. Attempt as defined under Section 13A-4-2.
d. Child Abuse. Torture or willful abuse of a child, aggravated child abuse, or chemical endangerment of a child as provided in Chapter 15, commencing with Section 26-15-1, of Title 26, known as the Alabama Child Abuse Act.
e. Criminal Coercion. Criminal coercion as defined under Section 13A-6-25.
f. Criminal Trespass. Criminal trespass as defined under Sections 13A-7-2 to 13A-7-4.1, inclusive.
g. Harassment. Harassment as defined under Section 13A-11-8.
h. Kidnapping. Kidnapping as defined under Sections 13A-6-43 and 13A-6-44.
i. Menacing. Menacing as defined under Section 13A-6-23.
j. Other Conduct. Any other conduct directed toward a plaintiff covered by this chapter that could be punished as a criminal act under the laws of this state.
k. Reckless Endangerment. Reckless endangerment as defined under Section 13A-6-24.
l. Sexual Abuse. Any sexual offenses included in Article 4, commencing with Section 13A-6-60, of Chapter 6 of Title 13A.
m. Stalking. Stalking as defined under Sections 13A-6-90 to 13A-6-94, inclusive.
n. Theft. Theft as defined under Sections 13A-8-1 to 13A-8-5, inclusive.
o. Unlawful Imprisonment. Unlawful imprisonment as defined under Sections 13A-6-41 and 13A-6-42.
(2) COURT. A circuit court judge, a district court judge appointed as a special circuit court judge pursuant to law or a district court judge designated by a written standing order from the presiding circuit court judge to handle protection from abuse cases.
(3) DATING RELATIONSHIP. A relationship or former relationship of a romantic or intimate nature characterized by the expectation of affectionate or sexual involvement by either party.

a. A dating relationship includes the period of engagement to be married.
b. A dating relationship does not include a casual or business relationship or a relationship that ended more than 12 months prior to the filing of the petition for a protection order.
(4) PLAINTIFF. An individual who has standing to file a petition under Section 30-5-5.
(5) PROTECTION ORDER. Any order of protection from abuse issued under this chapter for the purpose of preventing acts of abuse as defined in this chapter.
(6) THREAT. Any word or action, expressed or implied, made to cause the plaintiff to fear for his or her safety or for the safety of another person.
(7) VICTIM. An individual who is related in any of the following ways to the person who commits an act of abuse:

a. Has a current or former marriage, including common law marriage, with the defendant.
b. Has a child in common with the defendant regardless of whether the victim and defendant have ever been married and regardless of whether they are currently residing or have in the past resided together in the same household.
c. Has or had a dating relationship with the defendant. A dating relationship does not include a casual or business relationship or a relationship that ended more than 12 months prior to the filing of the petition for a protection order.
d. Is a current or former household member. For purposes of this chapter, a “household member” excludes non-romantic or non-intimate co-residents.
e. A relative of a current or former household member as defined in paragraph d. who also lived with the defendant.
f. An individual who is a parent, stepparent, child, or stepchild.
g. An individual who is a grandparent, step-grandparent, grandchild, or step-grandchild.
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