Which of the following is an element of Simple Battery?

In the context of Simple Battery, one of the key elements that must be established is the offender's intent to cause bodily harm. This element underscores the need for an intentional act by the offender aimed at inflicting harm or offensive contact on another person. The focus is on the offender’s state of mind and their actions that lead to the physical contact, which is a cornerstone of battery offenses.

Regarding the other aspects mentioned, the victim's awareness of the attack is not a necessary condition for Simple Battery to be established—what matters primarily is that the harmful or offensive contact occurred. The use of a weapon is also not a requirement for the definition of Simple Battery; this is more relevant to aggravated forms of battery. Additionally, the concept of self-defense introduces a legal justification for the actions of an offender, which means that if an act is executed in self-defense, it does not constitute battery under the law, as self-defense indicates a lawful reason for the contact. Understanding these distinctions helps clarify why the intention behind the act is the foundational element of Simple Battery.