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 Iowa, domestic violence is defined under Iowa Code Section 236.2 as assault between family or household members who reside together at the time of the assault. The term encompasses a range of relationships, including current or former spouses, individuals who share a child in common, persons cohabitating or who have cohabitated as intimate partners, and others similarly situated to a spouse. It also covers persons involved in intimate relationships or who have been involved in intimate relationships within a year of the assault. Domestic violence can be charged as a misdemeanor or felony depending on the severity of the incident and the defendant's criminal history. Victims of domestic violence in Iowa are encouraged to call 911 in emergencies. For non-emergency assistance, they can contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline or local resources for support and information. Iowa law also provides for protective orders to keep the abuser away from the victim, and violation of these orders can result in criminal penalties.