Domestic Violence: Alabama Definition

If you are in immediate danger, call 911, your local domestic violence program hotline, or the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence - 1-800-799-7233. For resources in Tennessee, call - 1-800-356-6767.

a) In this chapter, the following words shall have the following meanings unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:

(1) ABUSE. The occurrence of one or more of the following acts, attempts, or threats between family or household members, as defined by this chapter:

a. Assault. Assault as defined under Sections 13A-6-20 to 13A-6-22, inclusive.

b. Attempt. With the intent to commit any crime under this section or any other criminal act under the laws of this state, performing any overt act towards the commission of the offense.

c. Child abuse. Abusing minor children as defined under Chapter 15 (commencing with Section 26-15-1) of Title 26, known as "The Alabama Child Abuse Act."

d. Criminal coercion. Criminal coercion as defined under Section 13A-6-25.

e. Harassment. Harassment as defined under Section 13A-11-8.

f. Kidnapping. Kidnapping as defined under Sections 13A-6-43 and 13A-6-44.

g. Menacing. Menacing as defined under Section 13A-6-23.

h. Other conduct. Any other conduct directed toward a member of the protected class covered by this chapter that could be punished as a criminal act under the laws of this state.

i. Reckless endangerment. Reckless endangerment as defined under Section 13A-6-24.

j. Sexual abuse. Any sex offenses included in Article 4 (commencing with Section 13A-6-60) of Chapter 6 of Title 13A.

k. Stalking. Stalking as defined under Sections 13A-6-90 to 13A-6-94, inclusive.

l. Theft. Knowingly obtaining or exerting unauthorized control or obtaining control by deception over property owned by or jointly owned by the plaintiff and another.

m. Trespass. Entering or remaining in the dwelling or on the premises of another after having been warned not to do so either orally or in writing by the owner of the premises or other
authorized person.

n. Unlawful imprisonment. Unlawful imprisonment as defined under Sections 13A-6-41 and 13A-6-42.

Source: Alabama Code Section 30-5-2

Alabama Domestic Violence

There were 26,051 domestic assaults in 2005.
Hands, fists, or feet were used as a weapon in 51% of the offenses. Other dangerous weapons were used in 17% of the offenses, including knifes and firearms.
There were 1,564 forcible rapes committed in 2005.
There were 27 homicides due to domestic violence in 2005.

Source: National Coalition Against Domestic Violence

Keep In Mind:

The National Coalition Against Domestic Violence Sees The Problem Like This:

"Domestic violence may include not only the intimate partner relationships of spousal, live-in partners and dating relationships, also familial, elder and child abuse may be present in a violent home. Abuse generally falls into one or more of the following categories: physical battering, sexual assault and emotional or psychological abuse, and generally escalates over a period of time."

Source: National Coalition Against Domestic Violence

"Definitions" of domestic violence contained in state laws are furnished for information purposes only. No one at Life's New Beginnings is an attorney and we are not attempting to render any legal interpretation of domestic violence laws in any state. We are reading the statutes and giving our own opinions.

State laws can change regularly and individual state resources should be consulted for the most current statutes and definitions.

Life's New Beginnings is a non-profit organization established for the sole purpose of increasing public awareness of Domestic Violence and how it affects all of us.

Domestic Violence

At Epidemic Levels

In Tennessee!

Alabama State Senators

Jeff Sessions- (R - AL)

335 RUSSELL SENATE OFFICE BUILDING WASHINGTON DC 20510

(202) 224-4124

Richard C. Shelby- (R - AL)
110 HART SENATE OFFICE BUILDING WASHINGTON DC 20510
(202) 224-5744

October Is National Domestic Violence Awareness Month!