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 New York State, domestic violence is defined broadly to include a range of felony or misdemeanor crimes of violence committed by a person against a current or former spouse, intimate partner, someone with whom they share a child, or someone they are or have been cohabitating with in a similar capacity. It also covers individuals similarly situated to a spouse under New York's domestic or family violence laws, as well as any other person against whom protection is afforded under these laws. This definition is inclusive of adults and youth victims. In cases of emergency, victims are urged to call 911 or reach out to state or local law enforcement for immediate assistance. For non-emergency support, victims can contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE or visit their website. New York provides various legal remedies for victims of domestic violence, including but not limited to orders of protection, which can be obtained through family court, criminal court, or supreme court depending on the circumstances. An attorney specializing in family or domestic violence law can provide guidance on the legal options available to victims within the state.