Protection orders can be a helpful tool to prevent future harm when someone may be experiencing abuse, assault, stalking, harassment or other forms of harm. This website includes information about civil protection orders in Washington state. It has been tailored to meet a wide range of needs, with the goal of making the process easier to understand.
A protection order* is a civil court order that can legally restrict someone from committing future acts of harm or threats against the person who is protected by the order. Protection orders are filed for by a petitioner, the person requesting protection from harm, against a respondent, the person restrained by the order.
There are six types of civil protection orders available in Washington state that vary depending on the type of harm experienced and the relationship between the petitioner and restrained person.
*In other states, a protection order may also be referred to as a protective order or a restraining order.
**Extreme Risk Protection Orders (ERPOs) are sometimes referred to as “red flag laws.”
Are you a respondent in a protection order case? Learn more about the process.
Looking to get help with a protection order but not sure where to start? Below are some ways to get started exploring content on the website.
If you have experienced harm, threats of harm, or other types of abuse, this page will help guide you through the process of filing for a PO, including important safety planning tips.
Advocates or support people may include friends, family members, designated community supports, community or system-based advocates, and other service providers. This page will provide you with information and resources to help support victims and survivors through the protection order process.
Law Enforcement plays an important role in entering, serving and enforcing protection orders issued by the court. This page includes important information about law enforcement’s role in the process, how to help victims and survivors and useful resources and referrals.
For people who have been served with or are restrained by a civil protection order. This page will help you better understand the protection order process.
For the general public, media, court and legal professionals, or other interested parties, this page will provide general information and data about protection orders.
Whether you are considering if you should file for a protection or have made the decision to file, there are several things to keep in mind. Learn more about safety planning, the filing process, and what to expect.
Washington state law allows courts to order the temporary removal of firearms, and establish firearm prohibitions for the restrained party, when entering a protection order. Petitioners can formally request the removal of firearms in their protection order petition or a judge can order the removal of firearms if they believe the restrained person’s access to or ownership of firearms poses an immediate threat to public safety, to an individual or if other conditions are met.
If you are in immediate danger or experiencing a life threatening emergency: Call 911
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If you or a friend are experiencing thoughts of suicide, 988 can support you in your immediate crisis, and connect you with follow-up resources. Open 24/7, available in English and Spanish.
Call or Text 988 for the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHHSA) provides help for mental and substance use disorders, prevention, and recovery. This is a free, 24-hour, confidential treatment referral and information service. (English & Spanish)
Call 1-800-662-HELP (4357) or TTY 1-800-487-4889
The Department of Health does not provide crisis services, but has a list of resources, ways to find therapists, and advice from suicide attempt survivors.
24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year, the National Domestic Violence Hotline provides advocates who can help navigate abuse.
Call: 1-800-799-SAFE (7233)
or visit their website to chat with an advocate.
StrongHearts Native Helpline is a 24/7 safe, confidential and anonymous domestic and sexual violence helpline for Native Americans and Alaska Natives.
Call 1-844-7NATIVE (762-8483)
or visit the website to chat with an advocate.
RAINN is the nation’s largest anti-sexual violence organization. RAINN created and operates the National Sexual Assault Hotline which offers confidential support 24/7.
Call 1-800-656-HOPE (4673)
or visit the website to chat with an advocate.
The DV Hopeline is a free, safe and confidential domestic violence helpline for any person, from any community, of any age or gender. Available 24/7, speak with a trained advocated can help with emotional support, safety planning and more. The DV Hopeline also offers resources for housing and shelter needs.
Call 1-206-737-0242
or visit their website to learn more.
Available for victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, and victims of crime 24/7.
Call 1-888-560-6027
or visit their website to learn more.
211 has a search feature where you can put in your zip code and needs and find specific housing and shelter resources that an individual qualifies for. It’s extensive and typically up to date, and has resources for both DV survivors and the general public.
WSCADV provides a list of advocacy programs, helplines, and resources available in Washington state, filtered by county.
Search the directory of assistance providers by state with filters for types of services, specific providers, special populations, etc.
The DSHS Domestic Violence Program provides support for community-based shelters, emergency counseling and legal advocacy for children and families who have experienced domestic violence.
DSHS also sets minimum standards for domestic violence perpetrator programs and certifies provider programs.
If you or someone you know is the victim of sexual assault in Washington state, use this Program Directory to help you to locate resources and support.
If you or someone you know is the victim of domestic violence in Washington state, use this Program Directory to help you to locate resources and support.
A safety plan is a set of actions that can help lower your risk of harm in a domestic violence situation. The National Domestic Violence Hotline has an interactive tool to help you develop a safety plan.
CLEAR (Coordinated Legal Education, Advice and Referral) is a toll-free legal hotline ,offered by Northwest Justice Project, for people with low incomes.
Visit their website to learn more.
The WomensLaw Email Hotline provides U.S.-based legal information related to domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking. All emails are answered or reviewed by an attorney. However, they cannot provide legal advice or representation and we cannot call you on the phone. You can expect to receive a response within 1-5 business days.
This free program asks questions and uses your answers to complete your protection order forms. When you finish the interview, you can save, edit, email, download or print your completed forms. You will get instructions to help with your next steps.
You can answer questions in English or Spanish.
The Johns Hopkins Center for Gun Violence Solutions, in partnership with the U.S. Department of Justice, Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA), established the National ERPO Resource Center (ERC) in 2023. The ERC is a training and technical assistance (TTA) hub designed to support states and localities with the implementation of their ERPO programs to reduce gun violence and save lives.
There are six types of civil protection orders available in Washington State that vary depending on the type of harm experienced and the relationship between the petitioner and respondent.
For more information, visit our protection order page.
Petitioners can ask the court to include their children as protected parties on the order. In cases where the children are in common with the restrained person, the court can include provisions to protect children and may include temporary custody or visitation considerations but a protection order is not a formal “child custody order” or parenting plan. For more information, visit our FAQs or talk to a lawyer or advocate.
Yes, but you may want to talk with an advocate or attorney before filing, if possible, so you can make an informed decision about whether to file or not. The Federal Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) provides “that all battered immigrant women have full access to protection orders, can report domestic violence crimes, and can have their abusers prosecuted in the same matter as any other battered woman even if they do not have legal immigration status. Speak with a lawyer for more information.
An Extreme Risk Protection Order (ERPO) is a court order that temporarily removes and prohibits access to firearms, if a court finds, based on a formal petition from law enforcement or a family/household member, that a person poses a significant danger to themselves or others.
Visit our ERPOs page to learn more.
Petitioners (person filing the order) must complete the required forms and submit them to the court. If a judicial officer reviews the petition and finds that the legal criteria has been met, a temporary order (up to 14 days) can be issued. A full hearing, where the petitioner can seek a longer order (often 1 year) is typically scheduled within 14 days of the petition being filed. Visit our filing page for more information about the filing process.
© 2025 Washington State Protection Orders. Copyright © 2025 Office of Firearm Safety & Violence Prevention - Community Safety Unit, Washington State Department of Commerce
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