Which of the following must be true for a person to be considered a perpetrator of domestic violence?

For someone to be considered a perpetrator of domestic violence in New York, it is essential that they share a relationship or household with the victim. This criterion encompasses various forms of intimate partner relationships defined under New York's Domestic Relations Law, including current or former spouses, individuals with a child in common, or those who are or have been in an intimate relationship, regardless of whether they have lived together. The focus on the relationship is crucial, as domestic violence laws are designed specifically to address violence that occurs within defined personal connections, which distinguishes it from other types of violence.

The other options do not universally apply to the definition of a perpetrator of domestic violence. For instance, being charged with a crime is not a prerequisite, as domestic violence can occur without any formal charges being filed initially. Moreover, while the perpetrator may be known to the victim, this knowledge alone does not establish the violent context necessary to classify the act as domestic violence. Finally, the requirement of having been previously married to the victim is too narrow; many domestic violence cases arise from relationships that do not involve marriage at all. Thus, B is the only choice that aligns directly with the legal framework governing domestic violence in the context of family law.