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 Ohio, domestic violence is defined under Ohio Revised Code Section 2919.25 and includes any act of violence or threatened act of violence against a family or household member. This can include a spouse, a person living as a spouse, or a former spouse, a parent, foster parent, child or a relative by blood or marriage. It also covers individuals who have a child in common regardless of whether they have been married or lived together. Domestic violence can be a felony or misdemeanor, depending on the severity of the incident and whether the offender has prior domestic violence convictions. Victims of domestic violence in Ohio should call 911 in emergencies. For non-emergency situations, they can contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE or visit www.TheHotline.org for support and resources. Ohio law also provides for protection orders to keep the abuser away from the victim. An attorney can provide guidance on obtaining such an order and on other aspects of navigating the legal system in the context of domestic violence.