Definitions of Domestic Violence - Minnesota

Defined in Domestic Violence Civil Laws

Citation: Ann. Stat. § 518B.01, subd. 2

'Domestic abuse' means the following if committed against a family or household member by a family or household member:

• Physical harm, bodily injury, or assault
• The infliction of fear of imminent physical harm, bodily injury, or assault
• Terroristic threats, as defined by § 609.713, subdivision 1
• Criminal sexual conduct, as defined by §§ 609.342, 609.343, 609.344, 609.345, or 609.3451
• Interference with an emergency call, as defined by § 609.78, subdivision 2

Defined in Child Abuse Reporting and Child Protection Laws

This issue is not addressed in the statutes reviewed.

Defined in Criminal Laws

Citation: Ann. Stat. § 609.2242

'Domestic assault' occurs when a person commits an assault, defined as any of the acts listed below, against a family or household member, as defined in § 518B.01, subdivision 2. A domestic assault occurs when the person does either of the following:

• Commits an act with intent to cause fear in another of immediate bodily harm or death
• Intentionally inflicts or attempts to inflict bodily harm upon another

Persons Included in the Definition

Citation: Ann. Stat. § 518B.01, subd. 2

'Family or household members' includes the following:

• Spouses and former spouses
• Parents and children
• Persons related by blood
• Persons who are presently residing together or who have resided together in the past
• Persons who have a child in common regardless of whether they have been married or have lived together at any time
• A man and woman if the woman is pregnant and the man is alleged to be the father regardless of whether they have been married or have lived together at any time
• Persons involved in a significant romantic or sexual relationship

In determining whether persons are or have been involved in a significant romantic or sexual relationship, the court shall consider the length of time of the relationship; type of relationship; frequency of interaction between the parties; and, if the relationship has terminated, length of time since the termination.