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 Oklahoma, domestic violence is defined under the Protection from Domestic Abuse Act. It encompasses any act of physical harm, or the threat of imminent physical harm, which is committed by an adult, emancipated minor, or minor child 13 years or older against another adult, emancipated minor or minor child who is a family or household member or is or was in a dating relationship with the perpetrator. This includes any form of violence within a family or between intimate partners, regardless of whether they are cohabitating. It also covers those similarly situated to a spouse, even if they are not legally married. Victims of domestic violence in Oklahoma can seek protection through protective orders, which may prohibit the abuser from committing further acts of abuse, contacting the victim, or coming near the victim's residence or workplace. In cases of emergency, victims should call 911 for immediate assistance. For non-emergency support, victims can contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline. Oklahoma law enforcement agencies are trained to handle situations of domestic violence and can provide immediate help and protection to victims.