Domestic Violence

Domestic violence, also known as domestic abuse or intimate partner violence (IPV), can be broadly defined as a pattern of coercive tactics and abusive behaviors perpetrated by one partner against a current or former intimate partner with the goal of establishing and maintaining power and control. Domestic violence has many forms some of which may include: physical abuse (e.g. strangulation, hitting, kicking, biting, shoving, restraining, throwing objects), or threats thereof; sexual abuse; emotional or psychological abuse; controlling or domineering; intimidation; stalking; passive/covert abuse (e.g., neglect); and economic abuse.

Abuse can occur without regard to the parties’ sexual orientation, gender expression or identity, race, age, socio-economic status, disability, education level, culture or religion.

Generally, this section provides users with various domestic violence-related articles, policy and advocacy documents, legislative summaries and updates, training and Domestic Violence Task Force Meeting announcements, impact litigation highlights, program updates, and other resources. We also maintain sub-sections addressing other critical cross-over legal issues impacting domestic violence victims including: housing, public benefits, immigration, rights of the Deaf and disabled communities, as well as the rights of gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender communities.

*If you are a victim in need of immediate assistance, please call:

NYS Domestic & Sexual Violence Hotline (English): 1-800-942-6906; NYS Domestic & Sexual Violence Hotline (TTY English): 1-800-818-0656

NYS Domestic & Sexual Violence Hotline (Spanish): 1-800-942-6908; NYS Domestic & Sexual Violence Hotline (TTY Spanish): 1-800-780-7660