Domestic violence happens when someone harms you (for example, hits, kicks, hurts, scares, throws things, pulls hair, pushes, follows, harasses, sexually assaults, etc.) or threatens to harm you.

Domestic violence includes physical, sexual, or emotional abuse committed by someone you have a close relationship with, such as

• your parent, brother, sister, or other close relative,
• your spouse or ex-spouse,
• someone you are dating or used to date,
• someone you live with or used to live with,
• someone you were engaged to, or
• the parent of your child (even if the child does not live with you).

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE IS NEVER OKAY. No one—not even those closest to you—has the right to hurt you, try to hurt you, or threaten to hurt you.