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 Massachusetts, domestic violence is defined under General Laws Chapter 209A as abuse by one person against another in a domestic relationship. Abuse includes acts of physical harm, attempts to cause physical harm, causing fear of imminent serious physical harm, or forcing someone into sexual relations involuntarily through force, threat, or duress. The definition of domestic relationships encompasses current or former spouses, individuals who have a child in common, individuals who are or have been in a substantive dating or engagement relationship, individuals related by blood or marriage, and individuals who are or have been residing together in the same household. Victims of domestic violence in Massachusetts can seek protection through a restraining order, also known as a 209A order, which can be obtained from a district, probate, or family court. In emergencies, victims should call 911, and for non-emergency assistance, they can contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline or local resources for support and guidance. It is important for victims to understand their rights and the remedies available to them under Massachusetts law, and they may wish to consult with an attorney for legal advice and representation.