What can I do about stalking in the Washington State?

Definition (Civil Stalking Protection under Chapter 7.105 RCW)

Under Washington’s civil protection order statute, RCW 7.105.100, a petitioner may file a Stalking Protection Order (SPO) to stop stalking-related conduct. Chapter 7.105 defines qualifying conduct (see RCW 7.105.010) as a course of conduct (or, in some circumstances, a single act or threat) directed at a specific person that serves no legitimate or lawful purpose and would cause a reasonable person to suffer substantial emotional distress—and that actually causes such distress. “Course of conduct” includes following, monitoring, tracking, keeping under observation, communicating (including through electronic means), or other repeated unwanted contact.

Key points derived from Chapter 7.105:

• The petitioner must show qualifying conduct that would cause a reasonable person to suffer substantial emotional distress, and that the petitioner actually suffered such distress (RCW 7.105.010).
• “Course of conduct” excludes constitutionally protected speech and other lawful activity.
• RCW 7.105.100 authorizes filing civil petitions, including SPOs, and identifies the protection-order types available statewide.

Stalking Protection Orders under RCW 7.105.100

A civil Stalking Protection Order is requested by filing a petition under RCW 7.105.100. The statewide petition form (PO 001 Petition for Protection Order) expressly references RCW 7.105.100 and allows you to select “Stalking” as the order type. See the current statewide form from Washington Courts:
PO 001 (01/2024).

Civil SPOs are separate from any criminal case. An SPO can:

• Prohibit the respondent from contacting you (including text, email, social media).
• Bar the respondent from tracking, monitoring, following, or surveilling you.
• Require the respondent to stay a set distance from your home, work, school, or other locations.
• Extend protection to family/household members if appropriate.

Violating an SPO is enforced under RCW 7.105.450 (mandatory arrest in specified situations; criminal penalties or contempt). Local courts also publish filing guidance consistent with Chapter 7.105 (e.g., King County Civil Protection Orders).

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How a Civil Stalking Protection Order Helps

A Stalking Protection Order is designed to prevent further stalking-related behavior by setting clear, enforceable boundaries. The court tailors terms based on the facts, which commonly include: no contact (in any medium), no tracking/monitoring/surveillance, and stay-away distances from specified places. Depending on the record and county practice, an SPO may also involve firearm-related provisions and extensions to covered household members when appropriate.

If a respondent violates the order, RCW 7.105.450 authorizes arrest in specified circumstances and sets out criminal penalties or contempt remedies. Courts and prosecutors can act quickly to enforce violations. See also general county guidance for Chapter 7.105 protection orders (e.g., King County – Types of Protection Orders).

Process for Stalking Protection Orders (Chapter 7.105 RCW)

Gather evidence that shows qualifying conduct

The court evaluates whether the respondent’s conduct meets Chapter 7.105 standards (e.g., repeated unwanted contact, tracking/monitoring, or a qualifying single act/threat) and whether it caused substantial emotional distress that a reasonable person would experience (RCW 7.105.010). Useful materials include:

• Messages, emails, social-media messages, call logs, and DMs showing unwanted contact.
• Photos, video, location pings, or other evidence of following, tracking, or surveillance.
• Police reports or incident numbers (if any).
• Witness statements describing specific events.
• Any other documentation showing the impact on you (e.g., work/school/security changes).

Get the official court forms

Use the statewide petition form: PO 001 Petition for Protection Order (select Stalking as the order type). See the full set of forms at the Washington Courts Protection Order Forms. Some courts use localized versions—check your local court’s website. Alternatively, you can prepare packets online (e.g., LegalAtoms).

Step 1: File the Petition

Petitions are filed in the county authorized by Chapter 7.105 (see venue/jurisdiction in RCW 7.105.050 and related provisions). Many courts allow e-filing or clerk-assisted filing. Check your local court’s page (for example, King County – Protection Orders).

How to File Online

You can complete the statewide forms and, where available, submit electronically through your county’s process. LegalAtoms supports preparation and filing in most Washington jurisdictions.

Step 2: Temporary Protection (if granted)

A judge may grant a temporary order based on the petition and supporting evidence. Temporary orders typically last until the full hearing (often about two weeks). If a hearing is rescheduled, ask the clerk whether the temporary order needs reissuance (RCW 7.105.400).

Step 3: Service on the Respondent

The respondent must be served with the petition and any temporary order. Your clerk or local sheriff’s office can explain options and any fees. Service must meet the requirements in Chapter 7.105 and local rules.

Step 4: Full Hearing

At the hearing, the court reviews your evidence and the respondent’s response. If the court finds the legal standard met under Chapter 7.105, it will issue a full Stalking Protection Order with terms tailored to your situation.

Step 5: Get and Keep Copies of the Final Order

Pick up certified copies (or electronic copies if your court provides them). Keep copies at home, work, school, and provide one to security or HR if needed.

Costs

Many protection order filings in Washington have no filing fee (policy varies by order type and county practice). Check with your local clerk’s office. Stalking Protection Orders are commonly available without a filing fee due to their protective nature.

Duration

Temporary orders can be issued the same day in many courts (subject to filing cutoffs). Final orders are issued at or after the full hearing; duration is set by the court (many SPOs are issued for a fixed term, with renewal options—see RCW 7.105.405).

Enforcement and Violations

Violations of an SPO are enforceable under RCW 7.105.450. Police may arrest for certain violations; violations may be prosecuted criminally or addressed through contempt. For anti-harassment orders, see RCW 7.105.455.

Risks

Respondents may react unpredictably after filing. An SPO is a powerful tool but not a guarantee of safety. Consider safety planning, including informing your workplace/school, adjusting routines, documenting violations, and contacting local advocacy organizations. If there’s immediate danger, call 9-1-1.