Battery is generally a harmful or offensive contact with another person, without the person’s consent. Battery may be the basis for a criminal charge or offense. The definition and penalties for battery vary from state to state, and are usually located in a state's penal or criminal code (statutes). In some states the crimes of assault and battery are merged into one criminal offense.

Battery is also recognized in tort law as an intentional tort, and may result in civil liability (money damages) in a lawsuit against a person who commits battery.

In Vermont, battery is typically referred to as 'simple assault' under criminal statutes and is defined as intentionally causing bodily injury to another, attempting to cause bodily injury, or engaging in conduct that creates a reasonable apprehension of imminent bodily injury in another person. Vermont does not have a separate statute for battery as some other states do; instead, it combines the concepts of assault and battery into a single offense. The penalties for simple assault can include fines, imprisonment, or both, and vary depending on the severity of the injury caused and the circumstances of the offense. Additionally, Vermont recognizes battery as an intentional tort in civil law, meaning that a victim can sue the perpetrator for monetary damages. The elements of a civil battery claim in Vermont include an intentional and unpermitted contact with the victim that is harmful or offensive. Successful civil claims can result in compensatory damages for the victim, and in some cases, punitive damages may also be awarded.