Which term refers to unlawfully touching a person?

• A. Assault
• B. Battery
• C. Verbal abuse
• D. Neglect

Answer: (B)

Unlawful, non-consensual physical contact is battery. Battery is the intentional touching of another person without their consent or without a lawful excuse, and it can be charged even if no injury results. This distinguishes it from other terms: assault involves creating a reasonable fear of imminent harmful contact or the threat of touch, not the actual touch itself; verbal abuse centers on words or threats without any physical contact; neglect refers to failing to provide required care, which is about omission of care rather than touching someone. In EMS practice, always obtain consent before touching a patient and ensure any necessary physical contact is justified and lawful. Therefore, the term that best fits unlawfully touching a person is battery.