But I Didn't Abuse Anyone? Domestic Violence Defined

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:

(1)

“Domestic violence” means an act or threatened act of violence upon a person with whom the actor is or has been involved in an intimate relationship. “Domestic violence” also includes any other crime against a person, or against property, including an animal, or any municipal ordinance violation against a person, or against property, including an animal, when used as a method of coercion, control, punishment, intimidation, or revenge directed against a person with whom the actor is or has been involved in an intimate relationship.

(2)	“Intimate relationship” means a relationship between spouses, former spouses, past or present unmarried couples, or persons who are both the parents of the same child regardless of whether the persons have been married or have lived together at any time.

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.