{"id":375253,"date":"2016-03-31T21:36:04","date_gmt":"2016-04-01T02:36:04","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/state\/new-york-law\/new-york-domestic-violence-laws.html"},"modified":"2025-05-22T09:59:26","modified_gmt":"2025-05-22T14:59:26","slug":"new-york-domestic-violence-laws","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/new-york-law\/new-york-domestic-violence-laws.html","title":{"rendered":"New York Domestic Violence Laws"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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New York Domestic Violence Laws<\/h1>\n
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\n By Kit Yona, M.A.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by John Mascolo, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n

Crime hits close to home when a family member is a victim. It’s even more upsetting when the offense occurs between two family members. Domestic violence<\/a> incidents are referred to as family offenses in New York. These cases focus on victims and abusers who share a close relationship. This often makes the fallout even more devastating.<\/p>\r\n

New York has laws in place<\/a> to combat domestic violence. They include criminal laws to hold violent offenders accountable for their actions. Civil laws also provide certain protections to victims.<\/p>\r\n

If domestic abuse is part of your life, understanding the statutes can make your life easier. In this article, we’ll learn what constitutes domestic violence in New York, the different types of protections available, and the punishments abusers can face. Read on for a better grasp of domestic violence in New York.<\/p>\r\n

Domestic Violence in New York: What Is It?<\/h2>\r\n

Unlike some states, New York does not have a crime called "domestic violence." Two elements must be present for a criminal act to be considered domestic violence in New York: (1) a criminal offense and (2) a domestic relationship.<\/p>\r\n

This classification allows victims access to specialized forms of protection<\/a>, so knowing the legal definition of domestic abuse in the state is essential. Let’s examine each aspect together.<\/p>\r\n

New York and Domestic Violence: Eligible Crimes<\/h3>\r\n

A common theme found in offenses that qualify as domestic violence is control. Abusers gather and maintain control and power<\/a> over their victims through a variety of abuse types. While an abused and battered spouse<\/a> is often the first image that comes to mind when domestic abuse is mentioned, physical harm is not the only method used by abusers.<\/p>\r\n

In New York, there’s no single crime that’s defined as domestic violence. Instead, any of the following offenses can qualify<\/a> when the offender commits the crime against a family or household member:<\/p>\r\n