Westerville SAFE Initiative Updates Legal Definition

Domestic Violence Law Defines “Intimate Partner”

A potential gap in legal terms related to domestic violence was closed earlier this year as Westerville City Council voted to include an “intimate partner” as a relationship that qualifies for protection. Ordinance 2022-02 passed unanimously on February 15, 2022 as part of ongoing efforts in the Westerville SAFE initiative, an umbrella of public safety programs managed by the Westerville Division of Police (WPD).

According to WPD Chief of Police Charles Chandler, domestic violence laws previously extended only to people who are directly related by blood, marriage or cohabitate in an intimate relationship. It did not protect or restrict those who are/were dating or other similar types of less-formal relationships. Chief Chandler began this review last year, introducing the updated legislation to help define relationships that are eligible to seek a Civil Protection Order from the Domestic Relations Court (Ohio Revised Code section 3113.31). Such protection now includes “dating relationships,” which mirrors updated language being used across the country to recognize modern relationships and expand protections.

Chandler says it’s a nationwide effort to expand domestic violence protections, and action is needed at the local level even though the state of Ohio is not one of 37 states to add “intimate partner” to domestic violence protections.

“Violence between intimate partners is domestic violence,” said Chief Chandler. “The accused and the victim can be in a long term serious relationship without meeting current definitions of the law, like family or household members related directly by blood, or with a common child or in current or prior marriage for protection. This gives us another tool to help people who are victims of violence in intimate relationships.”

Chief Chandler said this updated language addresses protections for people who are in a dating, romantic or in an otherwise intimate relationship.

“Westerville is not immune to the issue, as there are many ‘datingbut-not-cohabitating’ relationships, especially college students,” he said. “This type of call is not unusual. Data from the CDC [U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention] tells us that one in four women and one in seven men are abused by an intimate partner. So it is here in this community and now we have better resources to help.”

Chief Chandler emphasizes the value of protection orders or other protective resources if you or someone you know is affected by domestic violence. The City of Westerville partners with Nationwide’s Center for Family Safety and Healing. Find information at www.familysafetyandhealing.org.