3010.2.3 Definition

Domestic violence occurs when one spouse, domestic partner or significant other tries to maintain power and control over the other person. The perpetrator of the violence may use physical, verbal or sexual violence to maintain power and control over the victim. Although domestic violence can happen to anyone, most victims are women. Therefore, we will use feminine pronouns. The following acts perpetrated by a current or former intimate partner, relative or household member shall be considered to be domestic violence: • physical acts that resulted in, or threatened to result in, physical injury; • being forced to engage in nonconsensual sexual acts or activities; • threats of, or attempts at, physical or sexual abuse; • mental or emotional abuse; • neglect or deprivation of medical care; or • stalking. Examples of domestic violence situations are: • Please note that this is not an all encompassing list, but some examples to give you an idea of how domestic vio- lence may look. • A husband who cuts up his wife’s clothing so she has nothing to wear to work; or • A partner who constantly tells his partner that she is worthless or calls her names in private or public; or • A partner who has to know her partner’s every movement and gets furious for not knowing those movements; or • A partner who doesn’t allow his partner to go out without him; or A partner who constantly calls or shows up at his partners job to interfere with her work.