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Can I get a domestic violence protection order?
Domestic violence protection orders are orders that are specifically designed for people who have been abused by someone they either had a relationship with or who they are related to.
You must have a certain type of relationship with the abuser
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You must be experiencing domestic violence as the law defines it:
“Domestic violence” (RCW 26.50) means physical harm, bodily injury, assault, including sexual assault, stalking (RCW 9A.46.110) OR inflicting fear of imminent physical harm, bodily injury or assault between family or household members.
If your relationship to the abuser is one of the relationships listed in box #1 above AND your experience of the abuse made you afraid you would be hurt, fear for your life or caused you physical pain or involved stalking then you are eligible to file for a protection order. If they do not match either or both of these criteria than you may be eligible to file for a different type of court order.
PLEASE NOTE: Some acts of domestic violence such as verbal abuse, emotional abuse, and financial abuse may not match the legal definition of domestic violence, but it can still be and feel abusive. If you are experiencing any type of domestic violence, consider contacting a domestic violence crisis line for information and support.
For more information about protection order eligibility or to explore whether filing for a protection order is right for you, contact the Protection Order Advocacy Program.