Domestic / Dating Violence and Stalking

Interpersonal Violence

The term “interpersonal violence” refers to domestic violence, dating violence, and stalking.

1. Domestic Violence: a felony or misdemeanor crime of violence committed by: a current or former spouse or intimate partner of the complainant; a person with whom the complainant shares a child in common; a person who is cohabitating with or has cohabitated with the complainant as a spouse or intimate partner; adult persons related by blood or marriage; adult persons who are presently residing together or who have resided together in the past; and, persons who have a biological or legal parent-child relationship.

2. Dating Violence: a felony or misdemeanor crime of violence committed by a person who is or has been in a social relationship of a romantic or intimate nature with the complainant. In determining whether such a relationship exists, the following factors are considered: (a) the length of time the relationship has existed; (b) the type of relationship; and (c) the frequency of interaction between the parties involved in the relationship.

3. Stalking: engaging in a course of conduct directed at a specific person that would cause a reasonable person to (a) fear for their health and/or safety or the health/safety of others; or (b) suffer substantial emotional distress.