What does domestic violence include according to Utah law?

Under Utah law, domestic violence specifically encompasses acts of violence or threats of violence directed toward family members or partners. This definition is rooted in the understanding that domestic violence involves not just physical harm but also the psychological impact of intimidation and coercion within close relationships, including spouses, former spouses, cohabitants, or those who share children.

The intent of the law is to protect individuals within intimate relationships from violent behavior that can manifest as physical assault, stalking, or other forms of intimidation. By focusing on actions between intimate partners and family members, Utah law takes a clear stand against any form of abuse that undermines personal safety and well-being in a domestic setting.

In contrast, civil disputes do not fit within this category as they typically involve non-violent disagreements over legal rights or responsibilities. Child neglect, while also a serious issue, is addressed under different statutes focused on child welfare, rather than domestic violence directly. Public intoxication relates to behavior concerning alcohol consumption in public spaces and does not involve the intimate dynamics that domestic violence laws aim to address.