South Dakota legal term
Emotional and psychological abuse in South Dakota Criminal Law
Current through 2026 South Dakota legislative session
In South Dakota criminal law, “Emotional and psychological abuse” is a term defined by statute rather than by its everyday meaning. Its statutory definition — quoted verbatim below — controls how the term is applied throughout the South Dakota criminal code.
What does “Emotional and psychological abuse” mean in South Dakota criminal law?
(4) "Emotional and psychological abuse," a caretaker's willful, malicious, and repeated infliction of: (a) A sexual act or the simulation of a sexual act directed at and without the consent of the elder or adult with a disability that involves nudity or is obscene; (b) Unreasonable confinement; (c) Harm or damage or destruction of the property of an elder or adult with a disability, including harm to or destruction of pets; or (d) Ridiculing or demeaning conduct, derogatory remarks, verbal harassment, or threats to inflict physical or emotional and psychological abuse, directed at an elder or (SDCL § 22-46-1)
Statutes defining or using this term
Related terms in the same statutes
This reference is informational and is not legal advice.