East Wenatchee, WA asked in Criminal Law, Constitutional Law and Domestic Violence for Washington

Q: Do police officers tell parents to hit there kids as hard as they can in Washington state

My mother is saying that the police told her to hit me as hard as she can over me running away as a minor. I wasn’t able to tell the police the part where she was beating me but because I was afraid of going into foster care and she said they told her I was being abusive and she had to beg them to not arrest me except the police never told me that at all

1 Lawyer Answer
James L. Arrasmith
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Answered

A: I'm really sorry to hear about your situation. In Washington State, police officers do not have the authority to tell parents to hit their children. Physical punishment, especially if it results in injury, can be considered child abuse, and law enforcement officers are trained to protect minors from harm.

It's important to address this situation with care and seek help. If you feel unsafe or are being harmed, reach out to a trusted adult, school counselor, or another authority figure who can provide support. You can also contact child protective services or a local advocacy group for assistance and guidance.

Document any incidents of abuse and seek help as soon as possible to ensure your safety. Remember, you have the right to live in a safe and supportive environment, and there are resources available to help you.

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