Domestic Violence Types in Washington State

Domestic violence encaptures more than a partner hitting a family member or spouse. The term domestic violence covers a broad range of violent acts in Washington State. Understanding what it coves, will help you understand if you have been a victim of domestic violence or if you’re being accused of it.

Who Can Commit Domestic Violence?

Before understanding what acts constitute domestic violence, understand who can commit it. Washington State defines domestic abuse as a “family or household member” committing the act against another. So this can include parents, spouses, partners, grandparents, or cousins, depending on who lives in the household.

What Is Domestic Violence?

In Washington State, if someone who is related to you or shares the same household does any of the following, it will be considered domestic violence if they:

• intentionally causing physical pain, physical injury, or illness
• intentionally impairing a physical condition
• commit an unwanted or illegal sexual assault
• commit a physical activity that may cause the victim to fear any violence, pain, injury, or sexual assault will occur

What Crimes Also Encompass Domestic Violence?

Domestic Violence goes beyond physical assault; any of the following crimes can fall into this category:

• Assault
• Manslaughter or murder
• Reckless endangerment
• Coercion
• Burglary
• Criminal trespass
• Property damage
• Kidnapping
• Interfering with the reporting of domestic violence
• Rape
• Violation of protection order: this includes any letters, emails, texts, or contact through a third party
• Stalking or cyberstalking
• False imprisonment: believing you can not leave without risk of injury to you or someone you love

In many cases, even being afraid for your life or being the recipient of violence can constitute domestic violence, as long as a “reasonable” person also in that situation would also be fearful.

What Should I Do If I’m Involved In A Domestic Violence Case?

If you are the victim of domestic violence or feel you have been wrongfully accused of a domestic violence act, reach out to the knowledgeable legal team at VanWa Legal.

We know domestic violence cases are sensitive for you and your family and extremely emotionally trying.

We aim to ease this burden by providing you excellent representation. To start, we offer a free consultation so you can better understand the merits of your case and feel confident you’re making the right decision by choosing VanWa Legal as your lawyer. We also offer payment plans to help ease the stress of paying for a domestic violence case.

We don’t want this case to affect the rest of your life, so we’ll be here for you when you need the help the most.