Washington State law allows for a person to file a civil case in court asking a judge to grant an order to protect them from another person whose behavior is abusive, threatening, exploitive or seriously alarming. The primary purpose of most is to order the "respondent" to not contact or harm the "petitioner." Unlike other protection orders, an Extreme Risk Protection Order does not provide protection to the petitioner. Its primary purpose is to order the respondent to surrender weapons.
There are 6 types of protections orders.
- Antiharassment Protection Order
- Domestic Violence Protection Order
- Sexual Assault Protection Order
- Stalking Protection Order
- Vulnerable Adult Protection Order
- Extreme Risk Protection Order
State law establishes who can seek them, who they can protect, who they can restrain, when and where court hearings are conducted, what costs may be incurred, etc.
Forms can be found on the Washington State Courts website.
Additional information on how to obtain a protection order can be found at www.washingtonlawhelp.org.
Petitions can be filed in person or electronically at ProtectionOrdFilings@clark.wa.gov.
Washington's Hope Card Program
The Hope Card Program makes it easier for individuals with full civil protection orders to carry important details about their orders. These wallet-sized, durable cards include the information law enforcement needs to verify a protection order if a violation occurs. Hope Cards are a simpler way to inform police, employers, schools, or landlords about your protection order and are free.
For information or to request a Hope Card, please visit www.courts.wa.gov/hopecard.