Washington legal term
Physical abuse in Washington Criminal Law
Current through 2026 Washington legislative session
In Washington criminal law, “Physical 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 Washington criminal code.
What does “Physical abuse” mean in Washington criminal law?
"Physical abuse" means the intentional, willful, or reckless action of inflicting bodily injury or physical mistreatment. (RCW 7.105.010)
Statutes defining or using this term
Related terms in the same statutes
This reference is informational and is not legal advice.