Washington LawHelp

Understanding the Basics (8)+

• Domestic Violence: Can the Legal System Help Protect Me?

  This defines domestic violence, advises how you can protect yourself and your family by getting a protection order or restraining order, and provides information on where to get help. #3700EN Read More

  By:

  Northwest Justice Project

  Read this in:

  Spanish / Español

• Civilian and Military Protection Orders: Which Should I Get?

  There are key differences between the issuance and enforcement of protection orders by state courts (civilian protection orders) and protection orders issued and enforced by the military (military protection orders). Knowing the differences will help you decide what kind of protection order to get. #3710EN Read More

  By:

  Northwest Justice Project

• Depositions in Criminal Cases: Tips for Victims and Witnesses

  If you are a victim or witness in a criminal case, read this to learn about depositions and being deposed. #9918EN Read More

  By:

  Northwest Justice Project - CLEAR Intake Line

• Immigration Status and Court Hearings in Washington State

  Questions and answers about when and how the court can ask about your immigration status. Read More

  By:

  Northwest Justice Project

  Read this in:

  Spanish / Español

• Landlord/Tenant Issues for Domestic Violence Survivors

  You should read this if you are a tenant AND a victim of domestic violence, sexual assault, unlawful harassment or stalking. You have protections under the state Residential Landlord Tenant Act (RLTA). The RLTA is in the Revised Code of Washington (RCW 59.18). #6304EN Read More

  By:

  Northwest Justice Project

• Should You File a Domestic Violence Protection Order (DVPO)?

  If you are being hurt or threatened or stalked, you should try to talk with a domestic violence program. The National Domestic Violence Hotline is 1-800-799-SAFE. This explains things to consider before filing a DVPO. #3703EN Read More

  By:

  Northwest Justice Project

  Read this in:

  Spanish / Español

• Victims of Crimes and “U Visas”

  A U visa or U nonimmigrant status is sometimes given to people who are not U.S. citizens or permanent residents and are victims of certain crimes in the U.S. If you or someone in your family (spouse, child, sibling, or parent) is the victim of a crime, you might be able to change your immigration status. You may be able to apply for a U visa. #8124EN Read More

  By:

  Northwest Justice Project

  Read this in:

  Spanish / Español

• Violence against Women Act Reauthorization of 2013: New Protections for Native American Survivors of Domestic Violence

  3702EN - Congress enacted the Violence against Women Act (“VAWA”) in 1994 in response to the severity of violence against women and the need for a national strategic response. VAWA sought to improve criminal justice and community-based responses to domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault and stalking in the United States. VAWA strengthened provisions to protect victims of domestic violence, hold offenders accountable and created programs to provide services for the victims. Read More

  By:

  Northwest Justice Project