A common question we get from clients is, “How can that be domestic violence?” The definition of domestic violence is more broad than most people think. Quick quiz to test your knowledge of the definition of domestic violence:
Q: If a husband and wife get into a verbal argument and, during that argument, the wife breaks a dish (does not throw it at anyone, simply breaks the dish). Is that an act of domestic violence?
A: Yes.
Q: If an ex-boyfriend calls an ex-girlfriend repeatedly, at inconvenient hours, and never even speaks to her, is that an act of domestic violence?
A: Yes.
Q: If two brothers get into a physical altercation, is that an act of domestic violence?
A: No.
Here is the legal definition of domestic violence in Colorado:
So, even if there is no physical abuse, if any act is done in an attempt to coerce, control, punish, intimidate or exact revenge, then that act is an act of domestic violence if the parties involved were ever, either currently or previously, involved in an intimate relationship. It does not matter if the parties are no longer involved in an intimate relationship at the time of the act.