Child abuse is generally the mistreatment of a child by a parent or caregiver—through actions or inactions—that causes injury, death, or emotional harm to the child—or that places the child at serious risk of such injury, death, or emotional harm. Mistreatment that constitutes child abuse may take many forms, including neglect, physical abuse, sexual abuse, emotional abuse, failure to supervise, and exploitation. Child abuse laws vary from state to state and are usually located in a state’s family code and criminal or penal code.

In Washington State, child abuse laws are designed to protect children from harm and ensure their well-being. Child abuse encompasses a range of behaviors, including physical, sexual, and emotional abuse, as well as neglect and exploitation. Under Washington law, physical abuse involves causing bodily harm or injury to a child, while sexual abuse includes any sexual offense under the law. Emotional abuse refers to conduct that has a detrimental effect on the child's psychological well-being. Neglect is the failure of a parent or caregiver to provide necessary food, shelter, medical care, or supervision to the degree that the child's health, safety, and well-being are threatened with harm. The state mandates that certain professionals, such as teachers and healthcare providers, must report suspected child abuse to the appropriate authorities. Failure to report can result in legal consequences. Child abuse offenses are addressed in the Revised Code of Washington (RCW), particularly in Title 26 (Domestic Relations) for family law matters and Title 9A (Washington Criminal Code) for criminal offenses. The state takes allegations of child abuse seriously, and those found guilty of such offenses face significant legal penalties, including imprisonment, fines, and loss of parental rights.