Who qualifies as a “victim” under the Prevention of Domestic Violence Act [PDVA]?
• Any person who is 18 years of age or older or who is an emancipated minor (see below) and who has been subjected to domestic violence by a spouse, former spouse, or any other person who is a present or former household member; OR • Any person, regardless of age, who has been subjected to domestic violence by a person with whom the victim has a child, or with whom the victim anticipates having a child in common (i.e. is pregnant); OR • Any person, regardless of age, who has been subjected to domestic violence by a person with whom the victim has had a dating relationship. “Emancipated minor” means a person who is under 18 years of age but who has been married, has entered military service, has a child or is pregnant, or has been previously declared by a court or an administrative agency to be emancipated. Please be aware that under the PDVA, although a victim of domestic violence does not have to be 18 years of age or older, a defendant must be 18 years of age or older. If the abuser
