When people find themselves as victims and survivors of abuse, or worried about someone harming themselves or others, it can be difficult to know who and how to ask for help. Law enforcement must believe victims, listen to their stories, and understand how to best help guide people to safety.
A protection order* is a civil court order designed to safeguard an individual from harm or threats by another person. It is filed by the petitioner (the person seeking protection) against the respondent (the person alleged to have caused harm).
There are six types of civil protection orders available in Washington State that may be appropriate depending on the type of harm experienced and the relationship between the petitioner and respondent.
*In other states, a protection order may also be referred to as a protective order or a restraining order.
**Extreme Risk Protection Orders (ERPOs) are sometimes referred to as “red flag laws.”
Are you a respondent in a protection order case? Learn more about the process.
Extreme Risk Protection Order
An Extreme Risk Protection Order (ERPO) prevents individuals at high risk of harming themselves or others from accessing firearms by allowing family, household members, or law enforcement to obtain a court order when there is demonstrated evidence that the person poses a significant danger to themselves or others. A person with an ERPO cannot purchase, control, access, or possess guns while the order is in place.
Extreme Risk Protection Orders are unique as they allow law enforcement to file the petition.
Visit our ERPO page to learn more about how to recognize when one might be the best course of action, and how to help victims file.
Protection orders can be particularly vital for intervening in high-risk situations and preventing escalation to more severe violence. They are often part of a larger safety plan developed with the help of advocates or legal professionals. Acts such as domestic violence and stalking may escalate to more profound violence and homicide.
If there is a 911 response before or in addition to the protection order process, it is important to take a trauma-informed approach. It’s easy to make snap judgments in high-intensity situations or to think it might not be that serious if there is not a criminal prosecution. Implementing tools like the domestic violence lethality screen for first responders is a good way to make sure you’re getting the full picture of the safety risks for the victim, family, and community.
Additionally, law enforcement have a significant role through timely serving and enforcing protection orders, and ensuring firearms are relinquished when the order is served if the protection order includes a firearm prohibition. For cases not requiring in-person service by law enforcement, such as where firearms are not prohibited, using electronic service can be a tool to ensure that service is timely and successful.
Many people who engage in abusive behavior or often highly manipulative. Please be cautions and do not:
Serving protection orders, particularly in domestic violence cases can be dangerous for law enforcement officers. Always consult and follow your departmental policies and threat matrices first. Also, when thinking about your own safety, please consider these other important tips.
Pre-service planning and risk assessment: Before serving a protection order, gather as much information as possible about the respondent, including their criminal history, any known weapons, previous behavior, and the location where the order will be served. Always be sure to read the petition for the protection order to get insights into the restrained person’s behavior, firearm access/possession, motivations, and any specific threats to law enforcement including threats to “suicide by cop.”
Team approach and clear communication: Whenever possible, serve protection orders with a second officer. Having backup provides additional safety and support in case the situation escalates.
Non-confrontational approach: Approach the respondent in a calm and professional manner. Use clear and respectful communication to explain the purpose of your visit and the contents of the protection order, including any requirement to relinquish firearms, dangerous weapons, or concealed pistol licenses. Any denials of firearms despite evidence in the petition or other records or refusals to relinquish them should be documented in section 6 and 7 of the Proof of Service. This is important information for the court to consider at the compliance hearing.
Document service: Accurately document the service of the protection order, including the date, time, location, and any relevant observations or interactions. This documentation can be critical for future legal proceedings.
Training and support: Regular training on serving protection orders safely, de-escalation techniques, and self-defense can enhance officer readiness. Additionally, access to peer support and counseling can be beneficial for dealing with stressful encounters. Contact your department head or Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission (CJTC) for more resources.
Protection orders have a positive impact on improving public safety. By reducing individual cases of violence and harassment, protection orders contribute to overall community safety and a reduction in crime rates and incidents of repeat violence associated with domestic violence and related offenses.
Protection orders can act as a deterrent against further abusive behavior. The legal consequences of violating an order, such as arrest or prosecution, can discourage offenders from continuing their abusive actions.
Women are FIVE TIMES more likely to be murdered by an abusive partner when the abuser has access to a gun.
According to the CDC, about 41% of women and 26% of men experienced contact sexual violence, physical violence, or stalking by an intimate partner during their lifetime and reported a related impact.
Researchers found that in 68.2% of mass shootings from 2014-2019, the perpetrator either killed family or intimate partners or the shooter had a history of domestic violence.
© 2025 Washington State Protection Orders. Copyright © 2025 Office of Firearm Safety & Violence Prevention - Community Safety Unit, Washington State Department of Commerce
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