Washington legal term
Significant relationship in Washington Criminal Law
Current through 2026 Washington legislative session
In Washington criminal law, “Significant relationship” 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 “Significant relationship” mean in Washington criminal law?
"Significant relationship" means a situation in which the perpetrator is: (a) A person who undertakes the responsibility, professionally or voluntarily, to provide education, health, welfare, or organized recreational activities principally for minors; (b) A person who in the course of his or her employment supervises minors; or (c) A person who provides welfare, health or residential assistance, personal care, or organized recreational activities to frail elders or vulnerable adults, including a provider, employee, temporary employee, volunteer, or independent contractor who supplies services (RCW 9A.44.010)
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.