The media may make it seem ok to touch, hit, or slap someone in today’s society. It may even seem like this type of behavior is rarely, if ever, punished.
However, this is not the case.
The fact is, touching or hitting anyone is a form of assault and criminal charges may be filed against you.
Since spanking can be used as a form of punishment for a misbehaving child, you may wonder if it is actually illegal to hit a boy.
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The legality of hitting
When it comes down to the law, yes, it is illegal to hit anyone, boy or not.
Although there are times it may seem justified, there are better and more acceptable ways to handle tense situations.
Was the boy misbehaving? Was he out of control? Did he hit someone? Getting answers to these questions should be the first plan of action.
While not so long ago hitting was seen as the solution to many disputes, having a conversation is considered the acceptable way to handle things now.
Is it illegal to hit a man?
Just as it is illegal to hit a boy, it is also illegal to hit a man. In most circles, the only exception to this is if you are defending yourself.
Both men and women alike have the right to defend themselves and their families, especially if they are on their own property.
The Stand Your Ground Law is in effect in many states.
This law says that you have the right to defend yourself against anyone who comes on your property without consent or court order.
Hitting someone while you are attempting to protect yourself from an attack is one time where hitting is legal and justified.
Should girls be allowed to hit boys?
If it is illegal to hit a person for anything other than to defend themselves, then girls should not be allowed to hit boys whenever they please.
In years long passed, a girl was expected not to raise a hand or her voice to a man, especially one in a position of authority.
Since women have fought to be treated as equals, much of that thought process has changed.
While in many places in the world women are being treated as men’s equals, it is still not acceptable for a woman to hit a man unless it is necessary for self-defense.
When is it acceptable for a boy to hit a girl?
In today’s world where women expect to be treated like men, many still complain that a man should not be allowed to hit them for any reason. And this is for good reason.
There are groups of both men and women who feel that if a woman is big and bad enough to throw hands, she needs to be ready to have the favor returned full force.
On the other hand, in situations where domestic violence has been determined, hitting a woman is an act of assault and battery and should be dealt with by law enforcement.
Domestic violence is often a control issue and can be very harmful to a woman’s emotional and physical health.
Many continue to take the punishment out of love for their partner, even though it is dangerous for them to do so.
When is it acceptable for anyone to strike another person?
The only time it is acceptable for one person to hit another is if they are defending themselves or someone else.
Once tempers rise and it turns into a physical fight, the individuals involved may be arrested and put in jail until they cool off or are tried in a court of law.
Striking another person in a malicious manner will more than likely result in an assault or an assault and battery charge that may have hefty fines, jail time, and possibly probation.
In some cases, a restraining order may be issued to protect the individual that was hit.
What is assault?
An assault occurs when someone is physically attacked. This includes hitting, shoving, punching, slapping, or any other type of personal contact.
Just bumping into someone or touching them accidentally does not constitute an assault.
For an assault charge to be filed, one person must have exhibited intent to harm the other.
If this can be proven, the charges will be pressed and the offender will go to jail. If the victim was severely injured, the charges may be changed to assault and battery.
What is assault and battery?
Assault and battery involve both a threat against a person as well as physical contact that is intended to cause harm.
When threats and physical violence occur, injuries often result. Individuals will often end up in jail if they are charged with this type of crime.
Assault and battery are serious charges. When a person is convicted of these charges, it will stay on their record for the rest of their lives.
This can be especially harmful if the charge was raised to a felony.
Is spanking an acceptable form of punishment?
There has been a debate over spanking for decades. Some parents refuse to spank their children, claiming it is too violent.
Other parents believe that spanking builds character and fosters respect.
Many believe that spanking a child, when it is appropriate, will prevent them from becoming spoiled and entitled.
This is a personal choice for parents to consider. Not every family will embrace this form of discipline, but for those who do, it is something they have thought long and hard about.
Is hitting the only type of domestic violence?
Many people believe that hitting is the only form of domestic violence.
Confinement, verbal abuse, threats, psychological abuse, and sexual abuse are also forms of domestic abuse or violence that can have long-lasting effects.
They can lead to depression, anxiety, and possible thoughts of suicide.
Hitting is only the beginning. In some cases, domestic violence starts with verbal and mental abuse. It slowly begins to escalate to higher levels of violence.
The only way to recover fully from this type of treatment is to break the cycle and get away from their abuser.