Protection Orders

As a victim of sexual assault, you have the right to file a petition requesting protection in a CIVIL court.   There does not have to be an arrest, police report or criminal charge to request a civil Protection Order. A civil Protection Order is different from a criminal order that would almost automatically be put into place if criminal charges were filed on your abuser.

If your abuser is a household or family member, or a current or former dating relationship, file a petition for a Domestic Violence Protection Order.

If you were sexually assaulted but the situation does not qualify for a Domestic Violence protection order, you could file a petition for a Sexual Assault Protection Order (SAPO). (Note:   You would have to have the name of the abuser and a way to serve him the SAPO paperwork.)

Contact your SPD advocate for assistance in applying for a Sexual Assault Protection Order.

Process for Filing

A general overview of how to get a Sexual Assault Protection Order can be found at: http://www.kingcounty.gov/courts/district-court/protection-order/sexual-assault.aspx

The forms you need to obtain a Sexual Assault Protection Order are available in the Clerk's office in Room W-378 on the 3rd Floor of the King County Courthouse (516 3rd Ave.) or online at:
http://www.courts.wa.gov/forms/?fa=forms.contribute&formID=65

If you need help, contact your Seattle Police Victim Advocate.   Call the main SAU number 206-684-5575 to find out who your advocate is.

Once all the forms are filled out, they need to be filed in the Clerk's office in Room W-378 on the 3rd floor of the King County Courthouse at 516 3rd Ave. Usually you will be directed to a courtroom to ask the judge for a temporary order.

A Temporary Order is in place for 14 days, at which time the court holds a "full order hearing." The respondent (the abusive person) may respond to your allegations by appearing at the full order hearing. At this hearing, the court hears from you and the respondent, and decides whether to extend the order for a year, or longer in some cases. You must attend this full order hearing to continue the Sexual Assault Protection Order beyond the initial 14-day temporary period.

King County Courthouse
Room W-378 · 516 Third Avenue • Seattle, WA 98104
(206) 477-0845

King County Maleng Regional Justice Center
Room 2B · 401 Fourth Ave N • Kent, WA 98032
(206) 477-3758

SAVIN Protective Order Notification Service

A free, 24-hour service for accessing information on your protection order and registering to be notified when your order has been served. (877) 242-4055 or www.registervpo.com