Virginia legal term
Sadomasochistic abuse in Virginia Criminal Law
Current through 2026 Virginia legislative session
In Virginia criminal law, “Sadomasochistic abuse” is a term defined by statute rather than by its everyday meaning. Its statutory definition — quoted verbatim below — controls how the term is applied throughout the Virginia criminal code.
What does “Sadomasochistic abuse” mean in Virginia criminal law?
"Sadomasochistic abuse" means actual or explicitly simulated flagellation or torture by or upon a person who is nude or clad in undergarments, a mask or bizarre costume, or the condition of being fettered, bound or otherwise physically restrained on the part of one so clothed. (Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-390)
Statutes defining or using this term
Charges using this term
Related terms in the same statutes
This reference is informational and is not legal advice.