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 Colorado, domestic violence is defined under Colorado Revised Statutes Section 18-6-800.3 as an act or threatened act of violence against a person with whom the perpetrator is or has been involved in an intimate relationship. It also includes any other crime against a person, or against property, including an animal, or any municipal ordinance violation against a person, or against property, including an animal, when used as a method of coercion, control, punishment, intimidation, or revenge directed against a person with whom the actor is or has been involved in an intimate relationship. An 'intimate relationship' is defined as a relationship between spouses, former spouses, past or present unmarried couples, or persons who are both the parents of the same child regardless of whether the persons have been married or have lived together at any time. Colorado law provides for mandatory arrest in cases of domestic violence, meaning that if a law enforcement officer has probable cause to believe that a crime involving domestic violence has been committed, the officer is required to arrest the suspect. Victims of domestic violence in Colorado can seek protection orders, sometimes known as restraining orders, which can prohibit the abuser from contacting or coming near the victim. In emergencies, victims should call 911, while non-emergency assistance can be sought through the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE or by visiting www.TheHotline.org.