Domestic Violence Laws in Oklahoma

Domestic violence laws in Oklahoma require offenders pay into a victim fund.Wedding image by Przemyslaw Malkowski from Fotolia.com

Domestic violence generally refers to abuse or the threat of abuse between intimate partners, whether in a current relationship or not. Since the high-profile case of O.J. Simpson, the issue of domestic violence has received increased national attention. Oklahoma, along with other states, has strengthened domestic violence legislation to protect victims and the community.

Defendants

If the police believe that a domestic incident has occurred within the past 72 hours, they may arrest the perpetrator even if they did not personally witness the assault. However, they must first witness the physical condition of the victim.

Local jurisdictions do not need to disclose the whereabouts of a domestic violence victim. Victims may keep their addresses confidential through a designated substitute address, and personal information does not need to be in any court records or documents. Oklahoma has established a Crime Victims' Compensation Revolving Fund which pays numerous victim bills. Included are caregiver compensation and a maximum of $40,000 pay-out in the event of victim death. The county attorney's office has also provided a 24-hour assistance phone number for domestic violence victims.

Courts must hold an ex parte hearing the day an order of protection is filed. This means that the defendant does not have to be present for the order to be enforced. The court will determine the validity of a foreign orders of protection. Oklahoma has established procedures for serving defendants with orders of protection and gives emergency orders of protection priority.