Opinion ID: 1794680
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: Persons Cohabiting.

Text: Iowa Code section 236.2(2) provides, in pertinent part: Domestic abuse means committing assault as defined in section 708.1 under any of the following circumstances: a. The assault is between family or household members who resided together at the time of the assault. Section 236.2(4) defines [f]amily or household members as spouses, persons cohabiting, parents, or other persons related by consanguinity or affinity, except children under eighteen. (Emphasis added.) We recently discussed the meaning of persons cohabiting as provided in section 236.2(4) in State v. Kellogg, 542 N.W.2d 514 (Iowa 1996). In Kellogg, we explained the Domestic Abuse Act was originally enacted as a statute to protect spouses from abuse but has gradually been broadened to protect others from abuse occurring between persons in a variety of relationships. Kellogg, 542 N.W.2d at 517. We determined the trial court had correctly refused an instruction that cohabiting meant persons living together as man and wife. Id. at 518. However, we found the court's instruction that cohabiting means dwelling or living together in the same place was so broad as to exceed the legislature's intent. Id. We adopted the following nonexclusive factors to be considered by a jury in determining whether a particular situation rises to the level of cohabiting: (1) sexual relations between the parties while sharing the same living quarters; (2) sharing income or expenses; (3) joint use or ownership of property; (4) whether the parties hold themselves out as husband and wife; (5) the continuity of the relationship; and (6) the length of the relationship. Id. (citing People v. Holifield, 205 Cal.App.3d 993, 252 Cal.Rptr. 729 (1988)). We find the meaning of persons cohabiting cannot be legally established solely by proving that the defendant and victim were living together. Therefore, we reject Livingood's assertion that prison cell mates are persons cohabiting simply because they live together. Moreover, we find the Domestic Abuse Act was not intended to apply to prison cell mates. Thus, even if Livingood had alleged circumstances where more than one of the nonexclusive factors were present, his petition was properly dismissed. In seeking legislative intent, the subject matter, effect, reason for the statute and consequences of proposed interpretations must all be considered. State ex rel. Hager v. Iowa Nat'l Mut. Ins., 430 N.W.2d 420, 422 (Iowa 1988). The Domestic Abuse Act was intended to protect spouses from abuse. See Kellogg, 542 N.W.2d at 517. It was broadened to protect others from abuse occurring between persons in a variety of significant relationships. Id. However, we do not believe the legislature contemplated the Act would be extended to apply to nonvoluntary living arrangements such as prison cell mates. Moreover, to allow prison cell mates to seek relief under the Domestic Abuse Act would interfere with the daily operations of the prison. We have stated it is appropriate for courts to recognize the unique problems of penal environments by invoking a policy of judicial restraint. Overton v. State, 493 N.W.2d 857, 860 (Iowa 1992). Prison administrators should be accorded wide-ranging deference in the adoption and execution of policies and practices that in their judgment are needed to preserve internal order and discipline to maintain prison security. Id.