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 Oregon, domestic violence is defined under ORS 135.230 and includes a range of behaviors such as physical harm, attempts to harm, threats to harm, and forced sexual relations when these actions are committed by a family or household member. This includes current or former spouses, intimate partners, individuals who share a child in common, cohabitants, and other individuals as defined by Oregon's family violence laws. Victims of domestic violence in Oregon can seek protection through restraining orders as per ORS 107.718 and ORS 107.725, which can prohibit contact and provide other forms of relief. In cases of emergency, victims should call 911 for immediate assistance. For non-emergency support, victims can contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline. Oregon law enforcement agencies are trained to respond to domestic violence situations and can provide assistance and protection to victims.