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 Montana (MT), domestic violence is defined under the Montana Code Annotated (MCA) and includes crimes of violence committed by a current or former spouse or intimate partner of the victim, a person with whom the victim shares a child, or a person who is or has cohabitated with the victim in a spousal or intimate partner capacity. It also covers individuals similarly situated to a spouse under Montana's domestic or family violence laws, as well as any other person against a protected adult or youth victim. Montana law provides for orders of protection and other legal remedies for victims of domestic violence. In cases of emergency, victims are urged to call 911 or contact local law enforcement. For non-emergency situations, victims can seek assistance through resources like the National Domestic Violence Hotline. Attorneys specializing in family law can provide legal guidance to victims of domestic violence, including assistance with obtaining protective orders and navigating the legal system.