Domestic Abuse: What is it

This is reprinted from The Bee's 2003 special report titled: "Shattered Lives."

According to the California Penal Code, Sections 13700-13702:

"Domestic violence" means abuse committed against an adult or minor who is a spouse, former spouse, co-habitant, former co-habitant, or person with whom the suspect has had a child, or is having or has had a dating or engagement relationship.

"Co-habitant" means two unrelated adult people living together for a substantial period, resulting in some permanency of relationship. Factors that may determine this include sexual relations while sharing living quarters, sharing of income or expenses, joint use or ownership of property, whether the couple consider themselves husband and wife, and the length of the relationship.