California Correctional Lieutenant Practice Exam

What kind of relationship must exist for an incident to be classified as domestic violence?

1. Only marriage

2. Any intimate or familial relationship

3. Only cohabitation

4. Only a former relationship

The correct answer is: Any intimate or familial relationship

To classify an incident as domestic violence, there must be an intimate or familial relationship between the individuals involved. This encompasses a broad spectrum of relationships, including but not limited to current or former spouses, partners, individuals who share a child, and family members. The recognition of various types of relationships reflects the understanding that domestic violence can occur in numerous contexts, not just between married individuals or cohabitants. The inclusion of all intimate and familial relationships is crucial for legal and protective measures, allowing authorities to intervene and provide support to victims who may not fit narrow definitions. This comprehensive view ensures that protections are extended to individuals who may be experiencing violence in contexts traditionally seen as less likely to include domestic violence, thereby promoting safety and accountability across all potential scenarios of abuse.