In the realm of divorce law, domestic abuse is defined as any form of neglect or harm done either emotionally, physically, or sexually by one family member upon another member of the household. Commonly in divorce cases, domestic abuse may occur between spouses disagreeing over any number of things before and during the divorce proceedings. Claims of domestic abuse may result in criminal investigations and charges, but also, will reflect heavily on alimony awards and child custody awards, regardless of the objective stance courts are supposed to take. In cases of domestic abuse involving children, a parent may have their custody rights revoked as well.