• Knowingly causes or attempts to cause physical harm to a family or household member

• Recklessly causes serious physical harm to a family or household member

• Knowingly causes a family or household member, by threat of force, to believe that the person will cause imminent (or immediate) physical harm to a household member. (R.C. 2919.25(A)-(C))
   

In Ohio, Domestic Violence includes both felony and misdemeanor charges. The statute defines family or household members as any person who is a spouse, former spouse, or a person living as a spouse (cohabitating couples). The definition also includes parents, putative parents, foster parents, children, and other people who are related to the aggressor. 

 

At its Core

The CORE  of domestic violence is one person obtaining power and control through physical abuse, name-calling, threats, and property destruction. Forced sexual acts, isolation from family and loved ones, threatening to harm children and pets are also hallmarks of family abuse. The CDC has classified domestic violence, or intimate partner violence, as a threat to public health and safety. Many studies show that domestic violence is related to serious physical, mental, emotional health issues. Abusers are often the most violent when their victims have left or are attempting to  leave so developing a Safety Plan is important. 

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What are some signs of abuse?

The behaviors that can be considered criminal include physical violence such as hitting, kicking, biting, choking in all forms and sexual violence such as forcing a person to engage in acts against his or her will. Other forms of abuse include stalking and psychological aggression - threats, name-calling, and other nonverbal communication that signals harm.