If you are being hurt, threatened or stalked, try to talk with a domestic violence program. The National Domestic Violence Hotline is 1-800-799-SAFE.
For court forms, choose the Court Forms & Procedures tab below.
Protection orders: Can the civil legal system help protect me?
Protection Orders can help if you are experiencing domestic violence, harassment, stalking, sexual assault, or the threat of any of these. Protection Orders can also help a vulnerable adult who is being abused or neglected. #3700EN
I have experienced domestic violence. Should I file a protection order (PO)?
If you are being hurt, threatened or stalked, try to talk with a domestic violence program. The National Domestic Violence Hotline is 1-800-799-SAFE. This explains things to think about before filing a PO. #3703EN
Landlord-Tenant Issues for Survivors of Domestic Violence
Learn about how the law can protect you if you are a tenant AND a victim of domestic violence, sexual assault, unlawful harassment or stalking. #6304EN
File a Motion for Revision in a Family Law Case
Use this to ask a judge to change (revise) a court commissioner's order. #3901EN
Frequently Asked Questions about Abuse in Later Life
Abuse in later life occurs when an older person is subjected to a pattern of coercive behaviors used to gain & maintain power and control perpetrated by a family member or someone with whom the elder has an ongoing relationship. It is the intersection between elder abuse and domestic violence.
How to get a name change in Washington State
In Washington State, if you are eighteen or older, you can choose and use any name you wish, as long as you are not trying to defraud (cheat) someone. This describes the process. #3400EN
How to hide your address from a stalker or abuser
Survivors of abuse, sexual assault, trafficking, or stalking can enroll in a state-run program to keep their address from the person who has been abusing, stalking or harassing them. #3706EN
Immigration, Family Law, and Domestic Violence
If you have a protection order case or family law matter, you may have immigration questions or concerns. People who are abusive often use immigration status to control their partners. Read this for basic answers to some common questions. #8105EN
Leave from Work for Survivors of Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault, or Stalking
Washington State law allows employees to take time off from work to address domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking. Read this to learn more about your rights. #2502EN
Myths & Realities of Identity Change
If you are a survivor of domestic violence, harassment, stalking, or sexual assault, read this to learn about whether changing your name and social security number will provide you any additional safety. #3716EN
Protections for Native American survivors of domestic violence
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. #3072EN
VAWA Self-Petition: Immigration Relief for Victims of Domestic Violence
If a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident family member uses their immigration status to control or abuse you, you may be able to file an I-360 VAWA Petition. This petition lets you try to get status without the help of the abusive family member. #8125EN
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
Webinar: Protective Parenting Plans
A webinar to discuss creating a protective parenting plan when there are concerns of domestic violence or parenting deficits that are detrimental to the children. This webinar will discuss parenting plans and provide a general overview for self-represented people of some important court rules to help you understand how to get a temporary motion for a parenting plan before the court.
Will I find out when the person who harmed me will be released from prison?
You will learn about a program that will let you know (notify you) if the person who hurt you will be released from prison. Finding this out in advance will help you have plans in place. #3712EN
Landlord-Tenant Issues for Survivors of Domestic Violence
Learn about how the law can protect you if you are a tenant AND a victim of domestic violence, sexual assault, unlawful harassment or stalking. #6304EN
Video - Help for Domestic Violence Victims Living in Federally Subsidized or Public Housing
Watch this video to learn your rights under the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) if you live in federally subsidized housing or have a Section 8 voucher. This video covers federal laws, so the information is true no matter what state you live in.
Immigration, Family Law, and Domestic Violence
If you have a protection order case or family law matter, you may have immigration questions or concerns. People who are abusive often use immigration status to control their partners. Read this for basic answers to some common questions. #8105EN
VAWA Self-Petition: Immigration Relief for Victims of Domestic Violence
If a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident family member uses their immigration status to control or abuse you, you may be able to file an I-360 VAWA Petition. This petition lets you try to get status without the help of the abusive family member. #8125EN
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