What is a Protection Order?
A protection order is a civil court order designed to safeguard an individual from harm or threats by another person. Protection orders are filed for by a petitioner, the person being harmed, against a respondent, the person committing harm.
WA County Filing Resources
Find helpful links and detailed information for courts in your county, including clerks, directories, filings, and protection orders.
Helplines and Advocacy Information
Law Enforcement plays an important role in entering, serving, and enforcing protection orders issued by the court. This page includes important information about law enforcement’s role in the process, how to help victims and survivors, and useful resources and referrals.
Glossary
This glossary provides clear and concise definitions of key terms and concepts associated with protection orders, to help navigate the process and legal system.
FAQs
This FAQ page provides answers to common questions about obtaining, enforcing and supporting those who are in need of protection orders.
Filing a Protection Order
When filing for a protection order, there are several things to keep in mind. Learn more about safety planning, the filing process, statement writing tips, and preparing for hearings.
Additional Resources
Helplines
- National Domestic Violence Help Line – 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year, the National Domestic Violence Hotline provides advocates who can help navigate abuse. Call 1-800-799-SAFE (7233).
- Strong Hearts Native Help Line – a 24/7 safe, confidential and anonymous domestic and sexual violence helpline for Native Americans and Alaska Natives. Call 1-44-7NATIVE (762-8483).
- National Sexual Assault Help Line – RAINN is the nation’s largest anti-sexual violence organization. RAINN created and operated the National Sexual Assault Hotline offering confidential support 24/7. Call 1-800-656-HOPE (4673).
- New Beginnings’ Domestic Violence Helpline – a free, safe and confidential domestic violence helpline for any person, from any community, of any age or gender. Available 24/7, speak with a trained advocated can help with emotional support, safety planning and more. The DV Hopeline also offers resources for housing and shelter needs. Call 1-206-737-0242.
Suicide & Mental Health Resources
- Emergencies – if you are in immediate danger or experiencing a life-threating emergency, Call 911. If you are thinking about suicide, have thought about suicide before, or are concerned someone you know might be thinking about suicide, know that help is available.
- Suicide & Crisis Lifeline – If you or someone you know is experiencing thoughts of suicide, 988 can support you in your immediate crisis, and connect you with follow-up resources. Open 24/7, available in English and Spanish. Call or Text 988 for the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.
- SAMHSA’s National Helpline – The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHHSA) provides help for mental and substance use disorders, prevention, and recovery. This is a free, 24-hour, confidential treatment referral and information service. (English & Spanish). Call 1-800-662-HELP (4357) or TTY 1-800-487-4889.
- Washington State Department of Health – The Department of Health does not provide crisis services, but has a list of resources, ways to find therapists, and advice from suicide attempt survivors.
Support Services
- Washington State 211 – 211 has a search feature where you can put in your zip code and needs and find specific housing and shelter resources that an individual qualifies for. It’s extensive and typically up to date, and has resources for both DV survivors and the general public.
- Washington State Coalition Against Domestic Violence (WSCADV) Programs – WSCADV provides a list of advocacy programs, helplines, and resources available in Washington state, filtered by county.
- National Domestic Violence Hotline Local Resources – Search the directory of assistance providers by state with filters for types of services, specific providers, special populations, etc.
- Washington State Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) – The DSHS Domestic Violence Program provides support for community-based shelters, emergency counseling and legal advocacy for children and families who have experienced domestic violence. DSHS also sets minimum standards for domestic violence perpetrator programs and certifies provider programs.
- Washington Coalition of Sexual Assault Programs (WCSAP) – If you or someone you know is the victim of sexual assault in Washington state, use this Program Directory to help you to locate resources and support.
- Domestic Violence Programs | Washington Information and Referral – If you or someone you know is the victim of domestic violence in Washington state, use this Program Directory to help you to locate resources and support.
- Create a Personal Safety Plan – A safety plan is a set of actions that can help lower your risk of harm in a domestic violence situation. The National Domestic Violence Hotline has an interactive tool to help you develop a safety plan.
Legal Support
- CLEAR Hotline | Northwest Justice Project – CLEAR (Coordinated Legal Education, Advice and Referral) is a toll-free legal hotline, offered by Northwest Justice Project, for people with low incomes. Visit their website to learn more.
- WashingtonLawHelp.org – This free program asks questions and uses your answers to complete your protection order forms. When you finish the interview, you can save, edit, email, download or print your completed forms. You will get instructions to help with your next steps. You can ask questions in English or Spanish.