Annotated Code of Maryland
(1998 Replacement Volume)

BY repealing and reenacting, with amendments,
Article - Courts and Judicial Proceedings
Section 4-401

Annotated Code of Maryland
(1998 Replacement Volume)

BY repealing and reenacting, with amendments,
Article - Family Law
Section 4 501 4-510
Annotated Code of Maryland
(1999 Replacement Volume)

SECTION 1. BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF
MARYLAND, That the Laws of Maryland read as follows:

Article—Family Law

4-501.

(a) In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.
(b) (1) "Abuse" means any of the following acts:

(i) an act that causes serious bodily harm;

(ii) an act that places a person eligible for relief in fear of imminent
serious bodily harm;

(iii) assault in any degree;

(iv) rape or sexual offense as defined by Article 27, §§ 462 through
464C of the Code or attempted rape or sexual offense in any degree; or

(v) false imprisonment.

(2) If the person for whom relief is sought is a child; "abuse" may also
include abuse of a child, as defined in Title 5, Subtitle 7 of this article. Nothing in this
subtitle shall be construed to prohibit reasonable punishment, including reasonable
corporal punishment, in light of the age and condition of the child, from being
performed by a parent or stepparent of the child.

(3) If the person for whom relief is sought is a vulnerable adult, "abuse"
may also include abuse of a vulnerable adult, as defined in Title 14, Subtitle 1 of this
article.

(e) "Cohabitant" means a person who has had a sexual relationship with the
respondent and resided with the respondent in the home for a period of at least 90
days within 1 year before the filing of the petition.