Recently updated on October 19th, 2025 at 01:00 am

“Coercive control is a form of domestic violence” is often overlooked and misunderstood. Coercive control is a pattern of behavior used to dominate an intimate partner or a family or household member through manipulation, intimidation, surveillance, and isolation. While it may not involve physical violence, coercive control can be as harmful to a victim’s mental and emotional well-being as assaults or threats of physical harm. In Washington State, the Legislature has addressed this harm through the consolidated protection order statute, Chapter 7.105 RCW, which expressly includes coercive control in the definition of “domestic violence.” Coercive control can manifest in many ways, including intimidation or threats directed at the victim, children, other loved ones, or pets. It can include damaging or threatening to destroy property, monitoring the victim’s online activity, distributing intimate images, taking control of social media accounts or communications, and restricting access to transportation or money. An abuser may use firearms to intimidate, exploit finances, file abusive lawsuits, or engage in persistent harassment offline or online. Because coercive control can be quiet, gradual, and psychological, it is frequently missed or minimized even though it is a common form of domestic violence under Washington law. An example of non-recognition of coercive control is where a survivor reports severe isolation, financial deprivation, and surveillance but faces questions like “why did you stay,” rather than an assessment of the pattern and the survivor’s risk. Washington’s modern framework under RCW 7.105 seeks to correct this by recognizing coercive control as domestic violence and by providing civil protection orders that can be tailored to the facts. Washington State House Bill 1901 took effect on July 1, 2022, and updated the law to its current form in Chapter 7.105 RCW. The statute defines coercive control as a pattern of behavior that unreasonably interferes with a person’s free will and personal liberty, which can include isolation from support, deprivation of necessities, threats of harm, monitoring or surveillance, control of finances, or punishment for behavior disapproved by the abuser. See RCW 7.105.010.

Complete Definition of Domestic Violence

Washington State law provides a comprehensive definition of domestic violence that captures both physical and non-physical abuse. Under RCW 7.105.010, a person named Alex is suffering domestic violence from Sam if two conditions are met:

1. They have a qualifying relationship, and
2. Sam engaged in conduct that fits within the statutory definition of domestic violence.

Qualifying relationships include:

1. Intimate or dating partners now or in the past, current or former spouses, registered domestic partners, and people who share a child.
2. Family or household members, including persons related by blood, marriage, or adoption, current or former cohabitants, and parent-child or guardian relationships (for most dating relationships, age 13 or older).

Harms listed in the definition include:

1. Physical harm, bodily injury, assault, or causing reasonable fear of imminent physical harm.
2. Any nonconsensual sexual conduct or penetration.
3. Threats that cause fear of harm. For example, brandishing a weapon, verbal threats, or threatening gestures may qualify. Reckless driving intended to frighten a partner can also support a finding of domestic violence.
4. Coercive control. This includes patterns that unreasonably interfere with Alex’s liberty or free will. Examples include isolating Alex from friends and family, restricting movement or transportation, controlling access to money or identification, monitoring communications or location, or threatening to reveal sensitive information such as immigration status, medical information, or sexual orientation. Threatening self-harm to force compliance can also be part of coercive control when used to control or terrorize.
5. Unlawful harassment. A single act of severe violence or a series of acts that seriously alarm or cause substantial emotional distress.
6. Stalking. Following, tracking, surveilling, or monitoring Alex in person or online.
7. Digital impersonation and online abuse. Hacking, spoofing, or impersonating Alex online can be part of coercive control, unlawful harassment, or stalking depending on the facts.

This definition is applied in civil protection order cases under RCW 7.105.100. At a full hearing, the petitioner must prove the criteria by a preponderance of the evidence, which means “more likely than not.” See RCW 7.105.225.

Restraining Order as a Solution

In Washington, what many people call a “restraining order” for domestic violence is usually a Domestic Violence Protection Order (DVPO). DVPOs are civil orders issued under state law that can prohibit contact, require a respondent to stay away from a home, school, or workplace, restrict surveillance, and address firearms. The term “restraining order” is also used in family-law cases to describe different types of orders, so it is important to use the correct civil protection order type for your facts. Washington’s consolidated statute recognizes multiple civil protection order types, including DVPOs, Anti-Harassment Protection Orders (AHPOs), Stalking Protection Orders, and Vulnerable Adult Protection Orders. See RCW 7.105.100.

A DVPO is preventive and protective. It can be tailored to the survivor’s circumstances, including orders to leave a shared residence, restrictions on digital contact or surveillance, and surrender of firearms. Violating a DVPO can lead to arrest and criminal charges under RCW 7.105.450. If you need protection, you can apply through your county court by filing a petition, requesting a temporary order if immediate protection is necessary, and attending a full hearing where the judge evaluates the evidence.

Example: Boyfriend blackmails and destroys property to control and induce fear. Michael appears intoxicated, threatens to ruin his partner’s career with false allegations of financial crimes, and damages household property. These facts may demonstrate coercive control, unlawful harassment, and threats that cause reasonable fear of harm. The survivor can petition for a DVPO, provide photos of the damage, texts, and witness statements, and request a temporary order that prohibits contact, requires Michael to stay away, and addresses firearms if applicable.

How Restraining Orders Solve the Problem

The purpose of a civil protection order is to create enforceable boundaries that reduce risk and deter future harm. Terms vary based on the facts, but a DVPO may:

1. Prohibit any contact, including in person, by phone, text, email, or social media.
2. Require the respondent to stay away from the survivor’s home, work, school, or other named locations.
3. Prohibit stalking, surveillance, monitoring, or tracking, including through electronic means, accounts, or devices.
4. Address access to children, pets, vehicles, medications, identification, important documents, and essential personal items when parties share a residence.
5. Extend protections to household members or children when appropriate.

Courts can also include firearms restrictions and surrender requirements under RCW 9.41.800, with compliance review hearings governed by RCW 9.41.804. Once an order is in place, any violation can be referred to law enforcement and charged under RCW 7.105.450.

Research summarized by national and Washington-based organizations has found that civil protection orders reduce repeat violence for many survivors and are most effective when combined with safety planning and local advocacy. While outcomes vary, the orders provide a practical tool to interrupt patterns of coercive control and violence.

Process for Restraining Orders

Gather evidence to support your case

Tell the story in a clear, chronological way and connect the facts to how they affected your safety, liberty, and daily life. Useful materials include texts, emails, call logs, social media messages, photos or videos of injuries or property damage, screenshots that show surveillance or impersonation, police incident numbers, medical or counseling records, and written statements from witnesses. You do not need a police report to request a civil protection order, but it can strengthen your case. Organize everything by date and label who said or did what.

Get a copy of court forms

To apply for a civil protection order, complete Washington’s statewide forms. The primary form is PO 001 – Petition for Protection Order. The full packet is available on the Washington Courts website at this link. Some courts provide local packets or allow e-filing. Always check your county clerk’s website for local instructions. You can also use guided tools such as LegalAtoms to generate the forms electronically.

Nothing happens until you file. Even if you are undecided, stepping through the forms helps you identify facts, documents, and witnesses so that you are prepared if risk increases. There are protections for victims regardless of immigration status, and you may ask the court to keep your address confidential when appropriate.

Step 1: File the Court Forms

File your petition in the correct court. Under RCW 7.105.050, Superior Courts and District Courts both have jurisdiction, although DVPOs are commonly handled in Superior Court. Many counties have Protection Order Advocacy or Assistance Programs that can help with forms and procedure. If there is already a related family-law case, the court may consolidate or transfer for consistency.

Step 2: Get a Temporary Order

If you need immediate protection, request a temporary (ex parte) order when you file. The judge reviews the petition without the respondent present. Temporary orders often last until the full hearing, usually about 14 days, and may be extended for good cause if service or scheduling requires more time. See RCW 7.105.400. If a firearm surrender is appropriate, the court can order immediate surrender and set a compliance review hearing under RCW 9.41.800 and RCW 9.41.804.

Step 3: Serve the abuser

The respondent must be served with the petition, any temporary order, and the hearing notice. You cannot serve papers yourself. Service is usually performed by the sheriff or police at no cost in protection order cases, consistent with Chapter 7.105 RCW. If the respondent’s location is unknown or service is difficult, ask the court about alternative service methods. Keep proof of service for the hearing.

Step 4: Present Evidence in a Court Hearing

The court holds a hearing, usually within about two weeks of filing. Bring your organized evidence and any witnesses. The judge applies the civil standard of proof, preponderance of the evidence, as provided in RCW 7.105.225. If the court finds that domestic violence occurred or that you face a reasonable fear of harm, it will issue a final DVPO. Once a final order is entered, any violation can result in arrest and criminal charges under RCW 7.105.450.

Step 5. Collect the Final Order

After the hearing, obtain certified and electronic copies from the clerk. Ask the clerk how the order will be entered into law enforcement databases. Keep copies at home, work, school, and with trusted family or friends when appropriate. The court sets the duration of the order under RCW 7.105.315. Orders are commonly one or two years and may be made permanent. If ongoing protection is needed, you can request renewal before the order expires under RCW 7.105.405, and you do not need to prove new incidents to renew.

Costs

For domestic violence protection orders under Chapter 7.105 RCW, petitioners are generally not charged filing or service of process fees. See RCW 7.105.105. Other protection order types, such as some anti-harassment petitions, may carry fees unless an exception applies. Always confirm your county’s policies and whether fee waivers are available.

Duration

Many courts can review requests for temporary protection the same business day if filed before the local cutoff time. Courts are generally open Monday through Friday. A full hearing is typically set about two weeks after filing. Temporary orders remain valid until the hearing and can be reissued for good cause. Final DVPOs are issued for a term set by the court under RCW 7.105.315. The court may renew an order for at least one year or make it permanent under RCW 7.105.405 based on continued need for protection.

Risks

After filing for a civil protection order, some respondents react with anger or retaliation. While a DVPO provides strong legal tools, it does not guarantee physical safety. The initial weeks after filing may be sensitive as routines change and service occurs. To reduce risk, consider the following:

1. Develop a safety plan with an advocate. Vary routines, secure accounts and devices, and identify safe places to stay if needed.
2. Inform trusted contacts, workplace security, child-care providers, and schools as appropriate. Provide copies of the order and the respondent’s photo if available.
3. Document every violation and report immediately. Keep screenshots, call logs, and witness statements. Call 911 for urgent threats or contact violations.
4. If firearms are involved, ask the court for a surrender order under RCW 9.41.800 and for a compliance review under RCW 9.41.804.
5. If the respondent files a retaliatory petition, attend that hearing and bring your evidence. Ask the court to consolidate related cases when helpful.

Violations of protection orders can be charged as crimes under RCW 7.105.450. You may also seek civil contempt remedies in the same case. Keep your contact information current with the court so that you receive notices of hearings or motions to modify.