Protection Orders

A Domestic Violence Protection Order is something a survivor can ask the court for, whether or not there’s ever been police involvement. Protection Orders are very effective for many people. But they are not a good option for everyone. Some abusers react to a Protection Order with escalated violence.

If you are considering a Protection Order, contact your local domestic violence advocacy program for help thinking through how the abuser might react and to develop an ongoing plan for safety.

• Domestic Violence: Can the Legal System Help Protect Me? – Learn about the protective order options available to victims in Washington State.
• ProtectionOrder.org – The Protection Order Advocacy Program is in King County, but this website contains helpful information about Protection Orders that people in any county can benefit from.
• Comparison of Court Orders for Washington State – A concise overview of civil and criminal protective orders in Washington State.
• Washington VINE Protective Order System – Register here to be notified when your Protection Order has been served.

For additional information, consider taking our online training course Protective Orders in Washington State.

Guidelines and model policies from the Administrative Office of the Courts (AOC)

• AOC’s Guidelines for Courts When Reconciling Conflicting Court Orders
• AOC’s Model Policy for Victims’ Requests to Modify or Rescind Criminal No Contact Orders