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 Minnesota, domestic violence, also known as domestic abuse, is defined under the Domestic Abuse Act (Minnesota Statutes Section 518B.01). The law recognizes domestic violence as physical harm, bodily injury, assault, or the infliction of fear of imminent physical harm, bodily injury, or assault, among other things, between family or household members. This includes violence committed by a current or former spouse or intimate partner, individuals who have a child in common, those cohabitating or who have cohabitated as if in a spousal relationship, and others similarly situated to a spouse. Additionally, the law protects individuals against abuse by any person with whom a significant romantic or sexual relationship exists. Victims of domestic violence in Minnesota should call 911 in emergencies. For non-emergency situations, they can contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline for support and resources. Minnesota law enforcement and courts can provide protection through orders for protection (OFP) and harassment restraining orders (HRO), which are legal means to prevent further abuse and provide safety for victims.