Domestic violence, as defined by Tennessee Code Annotated § 39-13-111, encompasses various forms of violence occurring within specific familial or household relationships. These relationships include:

• Current or former spouses.
• Individuals who currently cohabit or have previously cohabited.
• Individuals related by blood or adoption.
• Individuals who are related or were previously related by marriage.
• Adult or minor children of individuals in any of the above-described relationships.

It's important to understand that domestic violence extends beyond physical acts and can manifest in different forms, including but not limited to:

Deliberately inflicting or attempting to inflict physical harm on the victim, excluding accidental means.

• Creating a situation where the victim fears physical harm.
• Physically restraining the victim's movement or actions.
• Causing intentional harm to the victim's personal property, including any animals under their ownership, possession, lease, or care.
• Instilling fear in the victim regarding potential physical harm to any animals under their ownership, possession, lease, or care.

It's important to note that domestic violence laws aim to provide comprehensive protection and support to victims within familial or household relationships. These laws recognize the complexities of abusive dynamics and seek to address them through legal avenues, including restraining orders, counseling services, and legal interventions, to ensure the safety and well-being of all individuals involved.