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 Washington State, domestic violence is defined broadly to include physical harm, bodily injury, assault, or the infliction of fear of imminent physical harm, bodily injury, or assault between family or household members. This can include a wide range of relationships such as spouses, domestic partners, those who have a child in common, adults related by blood or marriage, and those who are dating or have dated. Washington law recognizes that domestic violence can be committed by a current or former intimate partner, and extends to those similarly situated to a spouse, as well as other individuals as defined under the state's domestic violence statutes. Victims of domestic violence in Washington State are encouraged to call 911 in emergencies. For non-emergency situations, they can seek assistance from law enforcement or use resources such as the National Domestic Violence Hotline. Protection orders are also available through the courts to provide legal protection for victims against their abusers.