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 Tennessee, domestic violence is defined under the law to include various forms of abuse committed by a current or former spouse, intimate partner, or any other individual as outlined in the state's domestic or family violence statutes. This encompasses physical harm, threats, sexual assault, or any other form of abuse that occurs between individuals who have a specific relationship, such as sharing a child in common, cohabitation, or those similarly situated to a spouse. Tennessee law provides protections for both adults and youth victims of domestic violence. 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. Additionally, Tennessee has resources such as shelters, legal advocacy, and counseling services available to help victims of domestic violence.