The below video contains information about getting protection orders in King County, WA. Just click the "Play" button to get started.

For Additional Information

More detailed information about protection orders, their risks and what to expect when filing is also available on the King County Domestic Violence Protection Order Site. Court locations and phone numbers are also provided.

Safety and seeking a Protection Order

Not every abuser responds to being served with a Protection Order the same way. Please consider these questions when thinking about your safety plan and when filing for an order.

• How do you think the respondent will react to being served the order? Do you feel like you will be in more danger if you file the order or that things will get worse?
• Is the respondent afraid of getting in trouble with the law or do they think they are "above the law"?
• Have you ever left or sought help before? How did the respondent react? Has the respondent threatened that they will harm you if you ever seek help or call the police?
• Because the respondent must be served with your order to make it enforceable - would it be safer for the police to serve it? A Process server? Or having a friend or family member who is over the age of 18 serve it? Most orders are served by law enforcement at the respondent's home but they can also be served at a workplace.
• If you have children, are there ways you can have the respondent served so that it does not occur in front of your children?

For more information on safety planning, please see the safety planning page of this website.