Washington legal term
Domestic violence in Washington Criminal Law
Current through 2026 Washington legislative session
In Washington criminal law, “Domestic violence” 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 Washington criminal code.
What does “Domestic violence” mean in Washington criminal law?
"Domestic violence" includes but is not limited to any of the following crimes when committed either by (a) one family or household member against another family or household member, or (b) one intimate partner against another intimate partner: (i) Assault in the first degree (RCW 9A.36.011); (ii) Assault in the second degree (RCW 9A.36.021); (iii) Assault in the third degree (RCW 9A.36.031); (iv) Assault in the fourth degree (RCW 9A.36.041); (v) Drive-by shooting (RCW 9A.36.045); (vi) Reckless endangerment (RCW 9A.36.050); (vii) Coercion (RCW 9A.36.070); (viii) Burglary in the first degree (R (RCW 10.99.020)
Statutes defining or using this term
Charges using this term
Related terms in the same statutes
This reference is informational and is not legal advice.