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 Virginia, domestic violence is defined under the Virginia Family Abuse statute and includes any act involving violence, force, or threat that results in bodily injury or places a person in reasonable fear of death, sexual assault, or bodily injury. Such acts may be committed by a current or former spouse, family member, individual with whom the victim has a child in common, a person cohabitating with the victim, or someone similarly situated to a spouse. Virginia law also recognizes protective orders to safeguard victims from further harm, which can be issued on an emergency, preliminary, or full basis. In cases of domestic violence, victims should immediately contact law enforcement by calling 911 if they are in immediate danger. For non-emergency situations, victims can seek assistance through resources like the National Domestic Violence Hotline. It is important for victims to consult with an attorney to understand their rights and the legal remedies available to them under Virginia law.