District Of Columbia § 16-1001 - Definitions.
Full text of District Of Columbia D.C. Code § 16-1001 — Definitions., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 16-1001. Definitions.
16-1001For the purposes of this subchapter, the term:
“Attorney General” means the Attorney General for the District of Columbia.
“Court” means the Superior Court of the District of Columbia.
“Custodian” shall have the meaning as provided in .
“Domestic partnership” shall have the same meaning as provided in .
“Domestic Violence Unit” means any subdivision of the court designated by court rule, or by order of the Chief Judge of the court, to hear proceedings under this subchapter.
“Interpersonal violence” means an act punishable as a criminal offense that is committed or threatened to be committed by an offender upon a person:
With whom the offender shares or has shared a mutual residence; or
Who is or was married to, in a domestic partnership with, divorced or separated from, or in a romantic, dating, or sexual relationship with another person who is or was married to, in a domestic partnership with, divorced or separated from, or in a romantic, dating, or sexual relationship with the offender.
“Intimate partner violence” means an act punishable as a criminal offense that is committed or threatened to be committed by an offender upon a person:
To whom the offender is or was married;
With whom the offender is or was in a domestic partnership; or
With whom the offender is or was in a romantic, dating, or sexual relationship.
“Intrafamily offense” means interpersonal, intimate partner, or intrafamily violence.
“Intrafamily violence” means an act punishable as a criminal offense that is committed or threatened to be committed by an offender upon a person to whom the offender is related by blood, adoption, legal custody, marriage, or domestic partnership, or with whom the offender has a child in common.
“Judicial officer” means the Chief Judge, an Associate Judge, or a Magistrate Judge of the court.
“Minor” means a person under 18 years of age.
“Petitioner” means any person who alleges, or for whom is alleged, that he or she is the victim of interpersonal, intimate partner, or intrafamily violence, stalking, sexual assault, or sexual abuse.
“Respondent” means any person 12 years of age or older against whom a petition for civil protection is filed under this subchapter.
Annotations
Source: official District Of Columbia text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About District Of Columbia § 16-1001
What does D.C. Code § 16-1001 cover?
Section 16-1001 ("Definitions.") is part of the D.C. Code, the codified statutory law of District Of Columbia. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite District Of Columbia § 16-1001?
A common citation format is "D.C. Code § 16-1001" (District Of Columbia). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of District Of Columbia law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the District Of Columbia official source linked on this page or consult a licensed District Of Columbia attorney.
How does District Of Columbia § 16-1001 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in District Of Columbia can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in District Of Columbia.