Definitions of Domestic Violence - Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe

Date: March 2026

Defined in Domestic Violence Civil Laws

This issue is not addressed in the Tribal codes reviewed.

Defined in Child Abuse Reporting and Child Protection Laws

This issue is not addressed in the Tribal codes reviewed.

Defined in Criminal Laws
Citation: Tribal Ordinance 2018-ORD-008, § 4.3

'Domestic violence' means felony or misdemeanor crimes of violence committed by any of the following:

  • A current or former spouse or intimate partner of the victim 
  • A person with whom the victim shares a child in common
  • A person who is cohabitating with or has cohabitated with the victim as a spouse or intimate partner

'Dating violence' means felony or misdemeanor crimes of violence committed by a dating partner.

Persons Included in the Definitions
Citation: Tribal Ordinance 2018-ORD-008, § 4.3

'Dating partner' means a person who is or has been in a social relationship of a romantic or intimate nature with the abuser, and where the existence of such a relationship shall be determined based on a consideration of the following:

  • The length of the relationship
  • The type of relationship
  • The frequency of interaction between the persons involved in the relationship

'Family member or household member' means any of the following:

  • Spouses or former spouses
  • Persons who have a child in common, regardless of whether they have been married or have lived together at any time
  • Adult persons related by blood or marriage
  • Adult persons who are presently residing together or who have resided together in the past
  • Persons aged 16 or older who are presently residing together, have resided together in the past, and who have or have had a dating relationship
  • Persons who have a biological or legal parent-child relationship, including stepparents and stepchildren, grandparents, and grandchildren

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