A protection order is an order that prohibits the respondent from contacting you. There are several kinds of protection orders, including an Order for Protection (for domestic violence cases,) No Contact Order, Restraining Order, and Anti-Harassment Order. You can apply for a protection order at the clerk's office for District or Superior Court. There may or may not be a charge to obtain a protection order. **See section on Protection Orders for more information.
As the victim of a crime, your participation and cooperation are a valued part of the prosecution process. However, the State of Washington has a responsibility to hold offenders accountable for their actions when they break the law. This responsibility insures that the law is enforced consistently and that the community need for justice is met. Therefore, individual citizens do not have the ability to drop charges in a criminal matter in this state.
A Victim Impact Statement (VIS) is your chance to tell the judge how the crime has affected you, any lifestyle changes you have made as a result of the crime, financial burden or hardships the crime has caused, and any sentencing recommendations you have for the defendant. You may request a VIS from the Victim Advocate if you do not receiveone.
Rural And Underserved Victims Of Domestic Violence
Audit Results
Crime Victim Resources
Crime Victims Advocacy Network (CVAN)
Citizen's Guide to WA State CourtsCourtesy of the WA State Administrative Office of the Courts
Court Protective Orders
Domestic Violence & Stalking
Sexual Assault Victim Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Location & Contact Information for Victim Advocates
Referrals & Resources for Crime Victims
Victim Notification
State Of Washington Crime Victims Rights
Child Crime Victims' Bill of Rights RCW 7.69A.030
Crime Victims' Bill of Rights RCW 7.69.030
Constitutional Amendment