What is considered to be “domestic violence” under the law?
Domestic violence against a victim means an attempt, threat, or actually committing:
- assault;
- battery;
- burglary;
- kidnapping;
- unlawful sexual contact;
- rape;
- forcible or unlawful entry;
- coercion;
- destruction of property;
- harassment;
- threats;
- false imprisonment;
- stalking;
- violation of a restraining order; or
- non-consensual dissemination of private sexual images, sometimes called “revenge porn.”1
“Victim” includes any person who has been subjected to domestic violence by:
- a current or former spouse;
- a parent;
- a child;
- any other person related by blood or marriage;
- a present or former household member;
- a person with whom s/he has a child in common; or
- a person with whom s/he has or had a sexual or intimate relationship.2
1 16 V.I.C. § 91(b)
2 16 V.I.C. § 91(c)