Recently updated on October 19th, 2025 at 12:50 pm

Overview

A domestic violence protective order in Washington is a court order that creates legally enforceable boundaries to protect a person from abuse by an intimate partner or a family or household member. Under Washington’s consolidated civil protection order statute, Chapter 7.105 RCW, the court can prohibit contact, require the respondent to stay away from specified places, restrict surveillance or stalking, and address firearms and related safety concerns. These orders are preventive in nature and are designed to reduce risk and interrupt patterns of violence, harassment, and coercive control.

Protection orders generally last for a fixed period of time set by the court, and they may be renewed or made permanent if ongoing protection is needed. See RCW 7.105.315 (duration) and RCW 7.105.405 (renewal). Violating a protection order is a crime and may result in arrest and prosecution under RCW 7.105.450.

To get protection, the petitioner files a sworn petition and supporting materials. In urgent cases, the court may issue a temporary (ex parte) protection order that remains in effect until the full hearing, typically set about two weeks later. Temporary orders can be reissued for good cause, including to complete service on the respondent. See RCW 7.105.400.

In short, protection orders are a practical legal tool to improve safety, stabilize the situation, and create accountability while survivors pursue longer-term solutions (housing, counseling, family law remedies, and, where appropriate, criminal reporting).

Definition of Domestic Violence in Washington

Washington provides a comprehensive definition of “domestic violence” that includes both physical and non-physical abuse. Under RCW 7.105.010, domestic violence by an intimate partner or a family or household member includes:

• Physical harm, bodily injury, assault, or causing a person to fear imminent physical harm;
• Nonconsensual sexual conduct or penetration;
• Coercive control (a pattern that, in purpose or effect, unreasonably interferes with a person’s free will and personal liberty);
• Unlawful harassment (repeated, unwanted contact that seriously alarms and serves no legitimate purpose);
• Stalking, including digital or technology-facilitated surveillance.

The statute also defines who qualifies as an intimate partner or family or household member, which includes (among others) current or former spouses or domestic partners, people who have a child in common, current or former dating partners (age 13+), persons related by blood or marriage, current or former cohabitants, parents, children, and legal guardians. See RCW 7.105.010.

Important: Washington’s modern definition specifically recognizes coercive control and technology-facilitated abuse. The court evaluates the pattern in context and from the perspective of a similarly situated person to determine whether it “unreasonably interferes” with the survivor’s liberty. See RCW 7.105.010(4).

Comparison with Criminal Case

If you are a victim of domestic violence, several parallel paths may be relevant:

• Criminal Case: Police and prosecutors handle criminal charges (assault, harassment, stalking, etc.) using the criminal standard of proof, beyond a reasonable doubt.
• Domestic Violence Protection Order (DVPO): A civil case focused on prevention and safety. At the full hearing, the judge issues an order if the petitioner proves the statutory criteria by a preponderance of the evidence (more likely than not). See RCW 7.105.225.

Courts do not issue orders “automatically” or on a lenient standard; the judge must find the criteria are met by the preponderance standard. The civil and criminal systems can run at the same time and can inform each other, but they are independent.

Does my situation qualify for Domestic Violence Protection Order?

Washington recognizes several types of civil protection orders under RCW 7.105.100. You should select the type that best matches the relationship and conduct:

• Domestic Violence Protection Order (DVPO): For abuse, threats, coercive control, stalking, or unlawful harassment by an intimate partner or qualifying family/household member (RCW 7.105.010).
• Antiharassment Protection Order (AHPO): For unlawful harassment by someone who is not a qualifying intimate partner or household member (neighbor, acquaintance, more distant relative).
• Vulnerable Adult Protection Order (VAPO): For abuse, neglect, abandonment, or financial exploitation of a vulnerable adult (see RCW 74.34 and RCW 7.105.100 for the protection-order process).
• Extreme Risk Protection Order (ERPO): To temporarily remove firearms from a person who poses a significant danger to self or others (see RCW 7.94); ERPOs do not include stay-away terms.

If your situation involves domestic violence as defined in RCW 7.105.010, a DVPO is usually the correct petition.

What if I am a minor (under 18 years of age)?

Under RCW 7.105.100(2)–(3), a person 15 years or older may file a protection-order petition independently. A person under 15 must file through a parent, guardian, or other authorized petitioner. Washington Courts provides forms and instructions here: Protection Order Forms. For confidential youth support, see loveisrespect.org, text “LOVEIS” to 22522, or call 1-866-331-9474.

If you are a minor served with a petition, you may appear without a parent, but the court can ask a trusted adult to assist depending on the circumstances.

Situation Examples

Example 1: Abusive and controlling husband
Rachel has been married to Mike for three years. Mike escalates from belittling and sexual comments to controlling what she wears and where she goes. He withholds access to money and tracks her phone. These facts can demonstrate coercive control under RCW 7.105.010, as well as unlawful harassment and threats that create reasonable fear. Rachel files for a DVPO, including screenshots, witness statements, and bank records showing financial deprivation. The judge issues a temporary order the same day and, after the hearing, a one-year DVPO with firearm surrender and stay-away provisions.

Example 2: Boyfriend blackmails and destroys property to control and induce fear
Jessica’s partner Matt threatens to publish private photos if she refuses to isolate from friends. When she goes out, he smashes her phone and laptop. Jessica provides texts, repair invoices, and a neighbor’s statement. The court finds coercive control and harassment by a dating partner and grants a full DVPO with no-contact, stay-away, and technology restrictions, plus compliance review for firearm surrender if applicable (RCW 9.41.800, RCW 9.41.804).

Example 3: stalking by Ex-partner
Sarah ends a relationship with Tom. Tom follows her to work, appears at her gym and coffee shop, calls repeatedly, and uses a tracking app on a shared account. Sarah documents timestamps, screenshots, and GPS data. The judge finds stalking and unlawful harassment and issues a two-year DVPO prohibiting all contact and surveillance.

Is a protection order helpful?

A protection order creates enforceable boundaries tailored to the facts. Typical terms include:

1. Prohibiting all contact, including calls, texts, emails, social media, third-party messages, and indirect contact;
2. Requiring the respondent to stay away from home, work, school, or other specified locations;
3. Prohibiting stalking, monitoring, tracking, surveillance, or technology-facilitated abuse;
4. When the parties have lived together, facilitating safe retrieval of essential items (children’s belongings, medications, important documents, phones, vehicles, pets) under court supervision;
5. Extending protection to household members or children when appropriate.

Judges can also impose firearm restrictions and immediate surrender where legally appropriate under RCW 9.41.800, and courts hold compliance review hearings to ensure surrender under RCW 9.41.804. Violations of a protection order are criminally enforceable under RCW 7.105.450.

Research findings on benefits of protection orders
Multiple studies find that civil protection orders are associated with measurable reductions in repeat violence and stalking for many survivors. Effects are generally stronger when orders are paired with advocacy, safety planning, and consistent enforcement. Cost-effectiveness research indicates that protection orders can reduce downstream medical, law-enforcement, and workplace costs compared with doing nothing. These benefits are observed across both urban and rural settings when service and follow-up are robust.

Process for getting a Protection Order

Step 1: Gather Evidence

The court will consider whether the conduct meets the definition in RCW 7.105.010 and whether the evidence shows abuse or fear consistent with the statute. The civil standard, preponderance of the evidence, means “more likely than not.” See RCW 7.105.225.

What to collect:

• Texts, emails, social media messages, call logs, voicemails that show threats, intimidation, surveillance, or coercive control;
• Photos or videos of injuries, damaged property, or tracking devices;
• Police incident numbers or reports, if any;
• Medical or counseling records documenting impacts;
• Witness statements with specific dates, quotes, and observations;
• Technology evidence: account takeover notices, location-history logs, screenshots of spoofing or impersonation.

A criminal case is not required to obtain a civil order. If one exists, identify the court and case number. Organize evidence chronologically and label it clearly so a judge can understand the pattern.

Step 2: Get a copy of court forms

Use Washington’s statewide forms. The primary document is PO 001 — Petition for Protection Order. The full set is available on the Washington Courts site: Protection Order Forms. Some counties provide local packets or e-filing portals—always check your county clerk’s page for local instructions. Guided tools such as LegalAtoms can help you prepare the packet electronically.

Nothing happens until you file. Even if you are unsure, completing a draft helps identify facts, corroboration, and witnesses. You can request to keep your address confidential and you have protections regardless of immigration status.

Step 3: File the Court Forms

File your petition with the appropriate court. Under RCW 7.105.050, Superior Courts and District Courts have jurisdiction, but DVPOs are commonly handled in Superior Court. Many counties accept e-filing. Clerks and Protection Order Advocacy Programs can assist with procedure and scheduling.

Fees: Chapter 7.105 generally prohibits charging filing and service fees to petitioners seeking protection orders, with limited exceptions. See RCW 7.105.105. (Some antiharassment petitions may have fees unless an exception applies; check your local clerk’s page.)

Step 4: Get a Temporary Order

If you need immediate protection, request a temporary (ex parte) order when you file. The judge reviews your sworn petition the same day when possible. Temporary orders usually last until the full hearing (about 14 days). They may be reissued for good cause, including to allow time for service, and any temporary weapons-surrender term reissues automatically with the temporary order. See RCW 7.105.400.

Step 5: Serve the abuser

The respondent must be formally notified of the petition, any temporary order, and the hearing date. You cannot serve papers yourself. Law enforcement commonly serves at no cost in protection-order cases; you may also use a neutral adult or a professional process server if permitted. The court may authorize alternative service (including electronic means) if reasonably calculated to give actual notice. See RCW 7.105.150. Keep proof of service for the hearing.

Step 6: Present Evidence in a Court Hearing

The court holds a full hearing, typically within about two weeks. Both parties may testify, present witnesses, and submit exhibits. The judge applies the preponderance standard and will issue a final order if the statutory criteria are proven. See RCW 7.105.225. If the order includes firearms restrictions, the court may set compliance review hearings to ensure surrender under RCW 9.41.804.

Once a final order is entered, violating it can lead to immediate arrest and criminal prosecution under RCW 7.105.450.

Step 7. Collect the Final Order

After the hearing, obtain certified and electronic copies of the order from the clerk. Ask the clerk about entry into the law-enforcement database. Keep copies at home, work, school, and share with trusted contacts who need to know. The court sets the duration (often one or two years) or may make the order permanent depending on risk and history. See RCW 7.105.315.

If continued protection is needed, you may request renewal. The court may renew for not less than one year or enter a permanent order, and you do not need to prove new abuse to renew. See RCW 7.105.405.

Costs

For DVPOs under Chapter 7.105, petitioners are generally not charged filing or service fees. See RCW 7.105.105. Forms are free from Washington Courts, and many counties offer self-help assistance. Some e-filing platforms may charge a small technology or vendor fee; check your county’s portal.

Process Duration

Many courts can review temporary requests the same business day if filed before the local cutoff time. Courts are generally open Monday through Friday. Full hearings are typically scheduled within about 14 days. Temporary orders remain in effect until the hearing and can be reissued for good cause (including delayed service). See RCW 7.105.400.

Final orders are issued for a term set by the court (commonly one or two years) and may be renewed or made permanent if needed. See RCW 7.105.315 and RCW 7.105.405.

Risks

Respondents sometimes react unpredictably after filing or service. While a DVPO is a strong legal tool, it does not physically prevent misconduct. The initial weeks can be sensitive. Consider:

1. Safety planning: Work with a local advocate to create a plan, vary routines, and identify safe places. Secure devices and accounts; consider a new phone number or two-factor authentication.
2. Inform key contacts: Provide copies of the order to workplace security, schools, child-care providers, and trusted neighbors. Share a photo of the respondent if safe to do so.
3. Document everything: Keep screenshots, call logs, and incident notes. Report violations promptly. For urgent threats or contact, call 911 and show the order.
4. Firearms: If firearms are involved, request surrender under RCW 9.41.800 and compliance review under RCW 9.41.804.
5. Legal follow-through: If the respondent files retaliatory motions or a competing petition, attend those hearings with your evidence and ask about consolidation for efficiency and consistency.

Violating a protection order is a crime under RCW 7.105.450. You may also seek civil contempt remedies. Keep your address and contact information current with the court so you receive all notices.