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 Vermont, domestic violence is defined under the state's domestic violence laws to include a range of violent acts committed by a current or former spouse or intimate partner of the victim, someone with whom the victim shares a child, or a cohabitant in a relationship similar to a spouse. It also covers those similarly situated to a spouse under Vermont's laws, as well as any other person when the victim is protected from that person's acts by domestic or family violence statutes. Vermont law provides for protective orders to prevent further abuse, and law enforcement is actively involved in responding to domestic violence incidents. Victims of domestic violence in Vermont should call 911 in emergencies to receive immediate assistance from local law enforcement. For non-emergency situations, victims can contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline for support and resources. An attorney specializing in family law can provide legal guidance specific to domestic violence cases, including the process of obtaining a protective order and other legal remedies available to victims.