Journalists & Media
Protection orders are civil (that is, not criminal) court orders designed to enhance the safety and well-being of individuals facing threats, harassment, abuse, stalking or other types of harmful behavior. They offer victims an alternative legal means to prevent further harm and maintain peace of mind.
In Washington state, protection orders are public record, however, sensitive details, such as the names of minors, might be redacted to protect the privacy of the individuals involved. As members of the public or media, there are several things to keep in mind when reporting on protection orders.
For ethical reporting it’s important to:
Consider whether the publication of certain details might put individuals at further risk or cause undue harm, particularly if the threats are ongoing or the case is still under investigation.
You can balance transparency with safety by:
- Using pseudonyms or anonymizing sources if necessary.
- Blurring or obscuring sensitive details (e.g., addresses or personal information) that could compromise someone’s safety.
- Consulting with the survivor or their legal representative to determine what can and cannot be shared publicly.
- Being mindful of the impact that publishing certain details could have on ongoing investigations or legal proceedings.
Journalists can play an important role in spreading the word about protection orders and helping more victims and survivors achieve safety. To achieve this, use respectful language, avoid victim-blaming, and provide context to help the audience understand the seriousness of the situations that lead to protection orders being issued.
Protection orders may involve sensitive personal information, including addresses, phone numbers, or threats that could put the involved parties at risk if disclosed. Respecting privacy and ensuring confidential details are not published is crucial.
Be precise in your reporting. Make sure you verify details about the protection order by reviewing details through court records, legal documents, or official statements released by involved parties.
Some protection orders may come with restrictions on what can be reported. These restrictions might be related to the names of individuals involved, the nature of the threat, or the specifics of the case. Always check for any publication bans or legal restrictions.
If you still have questions about what can be reported, consult with a legal advisor or check the court’s guidelines regarding what can be disclosed.
Resources
Statistics, Dashboards and Resources
Domestic Violence Statistics – The Hotline
The National Domestic Violence Hotline has a range of statistics about domestic violence. While these stats are not exclusively specific to protection orders, many protection order cases are a result of domestic violence.
Extreme Risk Protection Orders (ERPOs) | Center for Gun Violence Solutions
The Center has participated in advocacy efforts to pass ERPO laws and fund their implementation and evaluation in 21 states and the District of Columbia since 2014. Today, more than half of all Americans live in a state that has an ERPO, and this is the direct result of the work of the Center, the Consortium, and gun violence prevention advocates across the country. Learn more about their work.
University of Washington Center for Firearm Injury & Prevention
The University of Washington’s Firearm Injury & Policy Program conducts interdisciplinary research alongside community partners to prevent firearm-related harm.
Extreme Risk Protection Orders (ERPOs) – Harborview Injury Prevention & Research Center
This site provides a range of information about ERPOs including: what they are and how to use one, why to use a protection order, infographics and reports, and media and literature.
The National ERPO Resource Center
The Johns Hopkins Center for Gun Violence Solutions, in partnership with the U.S. Department of Justice, Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA), established the National ERPO Resource Center (ERC) in 2023. The ERC is a training and technical assistance (TTA) hub designed to support states and localities with the implementation of their ERPO programs to reduce gun violence and save lives.
Publications
Protection Orders and Intimate Partner Violence: An 18-Month Study of 150 Black, Hispanic, and White Women
This study compares the types and frequencies of intimate partner violence experienced by women before and after receipt of a 2-year protection order.
Deaths Related to Domestic Violence in Washington State – JAMA Network Open
This cross-sectional study evaluates the proportion of homicides and suicides connected to domestic violence in Washington and contacts with the legal system or social services before these deaths.
Extreme Risk Protection Orders in Washington State: Understanding the Role of Health Professionals | Journal of the Society for Social Work and Research
This study qualitatively analyzed court documents of ERPOs involving health professionals in Washington State between December 8, 2016, and May 10, 2019 and describes the roles health professionals can play in ERPOs even when they cannot file an ERPO for their patients.
United States Department of Justice Improving Law Enforcement Response to Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence by Identifying and Preventing Gender Bias
Recognizing and mitigating bias in response to sexual assault and domestic violence is critical to law enforcement agencies’ ability to protect and serve their communities. The Department of Justice issued updated guidance in May 2022 to help LEAs prevent gender bias and other biases from compromising the response to, and investigation of, these crimes.
This document is a brief version of the full guidance, highlighting the key points of each principle
Extreme Risk Protection Order Model Policy Guide | Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health
This Model Policy Guide is designed to inform advocates and policymakers about important elements to include in evidence-informed public health policy. The guidance in this report is structured to be applied in any state across the country, regardless of jurisdictional differences.
When Minors Threaten Violence: Firearm Access And Extreme Risk Protection Order Laws
This Forefront piece, describes how and why ERPOs are a useful tool when minors are behaving in ways that make them a credible risk for initiating violence, shares recommendations for policy makers to shape how ERPO laws may apply to minors, and explains practices operationalized in some jurisdictions that are using ERPOs with minor respondents.
More Information
For more information about protection orders, visit our Resources or FAQs.