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 Utah, domestic violence is defined broadly to include any criminal offense involving violence or physical harm, or threat of violence or physical harm, when committed by one cohabitant against another. Cohabitants include not only spouses and former spouses but also those who live together or have lived together in a domestic situation, those who are related by blood or marriage, and those who have children together. The definition also covers intimate partners who may not live together, and it extends to any person who is or was in a consensual sexual relationship or a relationship that is similar to a marriage. Utah law provides for enhanced penalties for domestic violence-related crimes and allows for protective orders to safeguard victims from further abuse. Victims of domestic violence in Utah are encouraged to contact law enforcement in emergencies by dialing 911. For non-emergency assistance, victims can reach out to the National Domestic Violence Hotline or other local resources for support and guidance.