1.  Civil rules apply.  Unless otherwise indicated in this chapter, all proceedings must be in accordance with the Maine Rules of Civil Procedure. Appeals may be taken as provided by the Maine Rules of Civil Procedure. Appeals may be only for error of law or abuse of discretion.  

2.  Proceedings independent.  All proceedings may be independent of, or joined with, a proceeding for divorce, dissolution of marriage, legal separation or separate maintenance. A proceeding under this chapter is in addition to any other available civil or criminal remedies.  

3.  Self-defense.  The right to relief under this chapter is not affected by the plaintiff's use of reasonable force in response to abuse by the defendant.  

4.  Intoxication.  Voluntary intoxication is not a defense to an action under this chapter.  

5.  Mediation and referees.  The court may not mandate mediation or appointment of referees in actions brought under this chapter. If an action under this chapter is joined with another proceeding pursuant to subsection 2, this subsection does not prohibit the court from mandating mediation or the appointment of a referee on any issue, other than abuse, that is part of the other proceeding.