The term domestic violence includes felony or misdemeanor crimes of violence committed by a current or former spouse or intimate partner of the victim; by a person with whom the victim shares a child in common; by a person who is cohabitating with or has cohabitated with the victim as a spouse or intimate partner; by a person similarly situated to a spouse of the victim under the domestic or family violence laws of the state or jurisdiction; or by any other person against an adult or youth victim who is protected from that person’s acts under the domestic or family violence laws of the state or jurisdiction.

In an emergency, victims of domestic violence should call 911 or contact state or local law enforcement officials who can respond to these crimes. Individuals in need of non-emergency assistance can also call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE or visit www.TheHotline.org.

In Alaska, domestic violence is defined under the Alaska Statutes Section 18.66.990, which encompasses a range of behaviors including physical harm, sexual assault, and threats of such harm among family or household members. This definition aligns with the broader understanding that domestic violence can be committed by current or former spouses, intimate partners, individuals sharing a child in common, cohabitants, or similarly situated persons. Alaska law also recognizes the need for protective orders, which can be issued to prevent further harm to victims of domestic violence. Victims are encouraged to contact law enforcement in emergency situations by dialing 911. For non-emergency situations, victims can seek assistance through resources like the National Domestic Violence Hotline. It is important for victims to know that help is available and that the law provides mechanisms for their protection and recourse against perpetrators of domestic violence.