What is Considered Domestic Violence?

A domestic violence is filed against an individual byor in the past. It can also be between unmarried
another individual who is related to them by marriageindividuals residing in the same house, same gender
or lives in the same house as the accused. In Arizona,cohabitation is included. If both parties are not
the statutory definition of domestic violence appliesmarried or are not living together, it is still considered
not only in crimes against spouses, although it is theas domestic violence if they have one common child
most common, but also to crimes done againsttogether or the woman is currently pregnant by the
partners, former partners, individuals who areconcerned party.
currently dating and the elderly. The charge ofThe two other relationship definitions are quite broad.
domestic violence has varying levels and forms, fromThe crime done is considered as domestic violence
simple assault to murder. It is also in the coverage ofwhen the victim is related to the defendant or the
the domestic violence law such acts concerningspouse of the defendant by blood or court order.
violation of the order of protection, like a restrainingThis includes grandparents, parent-in-law, stepchild
order. The restraining order does not necessarilyand the like. The other one is when the victim is a
require physical presence; even a late phone call to achild who is currently residing or resided in the same
child or to the ex-spouse is considered a violationhouse as the defendant and should be related by
when a restraining order is still in effect.blood to a former spouse of the defendant or any
Because of the alarming number of violence within aperson who is residing or resided in the same
household being reported, the state of Arizonahousehold.
focused on strengthening its laws. The lawDomestic violence is not taken lightly in Arizona. The
enforcement department is now developing newpunishment, depending on the level of crime, is
policies while the court system is activelysevere. The conviction can result to limitation in child
implementing the changes. In some cases, thevisitation rights, loss of privilege to own a gun,
prosecutors are filing charges even if the victimmandatory counseling and prison sentence in more
refuses to participate due to fear.serious cases. When the domestic violence involves
The Arizona Revised Statute 13-3601 lists thethe use of deadly weapon and injury, then the crime
affected relationships involved in a domestic violence.is often prosecuted as a felony.
It can be between two married individuals, currently