Violence Against Women Act (VAWA)

Domestic Violence-felony or misdemeanor crimes-1) current or former spouse of a victim, 2) by a person with whom the victim shares a child in common, 3) by a person who is cohabitating with or has cohabitated with the victim as a spouse, 4) by a person who is similarly situated to a spouse of a victim under domestic or family violence laws of the jurisdiction receiving grant monies, or 5) by any other person against an adult or youth victim who is protected from that person’s acts under domestic or family violence laws of the jurisdiction.

Dating violence-violence committed by a person: 1) Who is or has been in a social relationship of a romantic or intimate nature with the victim; and 2) Where the existence of such relationship shall be determined based on a consideration of the following factors:

1. The length of the relationship
2. The type of relationship
3. The frequency of interaction between the persons involved in the relationship

Stalking-The term “stalking” means engaging in a:

1. Course of conduct
2. Directed at a specific person
3. That would cause a reasonable person to:

a) Fear for his or her safety or the safety of others: or

b) Suffer substantial emotional distress

Questions?
Please contact the Office of Public Safety at (212) 678-3111 if you have any questions or concerns about your responsibilities under this law.

For more information about the Violence Against Women Act, visit the National Domestic Violence Hotline.