{"id":377087,"date":"2016-03-31T21:37:16","date_gmt":"2016-04-01T02:37:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/state\/washington-law\/washington-domestic-violence-laws.html"},"modified":"2025-11-03T19:07:17","modified_gmt":"2025-11-04T00:07:17","slug":"washington-domestic-violence-laws","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/washington-law\/washington-domestic-violence-laws.html","title":{"rendered":"Washington Domestic Violence Laws"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Washington Domestic Violence Laws<\/h1>\n\n
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\n By Kit Yona, M.A.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Catherine Hodder, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n\n\n

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Domestic violence<\/span> in Washington state<\/span> is a legal classification for specific crimes, such as assault or stalking, committed by one family member, household member<\/span>, or intimate partner<\/span> against another. There are specific penalties for abusers and relief for victims.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n\n\n\n

Suffering abuse from another person is something nobody should have to endure. This is even more true when the abuser is someone close to the victim. Domestic violence<\/span> crimes<\/span><\/u><\/a> are abusive acts committed between people who are family or household members<\/span>. Washington has laws in place to provide relief for victims of <\/span>domestic violence<\/span>.<\/p>\n

The legalese surrounding domestic violence<\/span> laws in Washington is complex and difficult to parse. This article will explain the state of Washington<\/span>‘s definition of <\/span>domestic violence<\/span><\/u><\/a>, how the legal system treats the crimes, and the protections available for victims. Read on for a better understanding of domestic violence<\/span> laws in Washington.<\/p>\n

Washington <\/span>Domestic Violence<\/span> Laws<\/span>: The Basics<\/h2>\n

Domestic Violence<\/span> in Washington State<\/span>: The Participants<\/h3>\n

As the name suggests, domestic violence<\/span> crimes<\/span> take place between people at or close to home. In Washington, the people involved must be family members, household members<\/span>, or intimate partners<\/span><\/u><\/a>. Those considered family and household members<\/span> are:<\/p>\n

Domestic violence<\/span> crimes<\/span> are about power and control<\/u><\/a>. While the name suggests physical violence, other types of abuse<\/u><\/a> are employed as well by abusers to keep victims feeling helpless and in fear. Not every abusive crime is domestic violence<\/span> in Washington. Let’s review the requirements.<\/p>\n