1. Victim and Witness Rights
- Washington Attorney General – Victims of Crime
Provides information about victim rights, legal resources, and referrals to community-based victim advocacy services. - Washington Crime Victims Compensation Program
Offers financial help for medical bills, mental health services, and loss of income due to victimization.
2. Free and Low-Cost Legal Aid Programs
- Washington Law Help
A free legal resource offering forms, guides, and legal aid referrals for stalking, harassment, and abuse-related matters. - Northwest Justice Project
Provides free civil legal assistance to low-income residents, including protective orders and harassment claims.
3. Relevant Laws
- Stalking: RCW § 9A.46.110
What it means: Repeated and intentional harassment that causes a reasonable fear of harm. Includes digital tracking and persistent unwanted communication. - Harassment: RCW § 9A.46.020
What it means: Threats or actions intended to seriously alarm, annoy, or harass. May be verbal, physical, or electronic in nature. - Bullying: No adult criminal statute. Addressed under RCW § 28A.300.285 (Education Code)
What it means: Schools are required to have anti-bullying and cyberbullying policies. Includes mandatory reporting, training, and student protections. - Defamation: Civil tort, not criminal. Based on Washington case law.
What it means: Victims may sue for libel or slander if false statements damage their reputation or livelihood. There is no criminal penalty for defamation in Washington.
4. Reporting and Hotlines
- Call 911 if you are in danger or need immediate help.
- Report non-emergency stalking or harassment to local police or file for a civil protection order in court.
- Washington State Coalition Against Domestic Violence (WSCADV)
Offers connections to shelters, legal advocacy, and crisis services throughout Washington. - Statewide Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-562-7888
24/7 confidential support and resource referrals across Washington.
5. Support Organizations
- WSCADV – Washington State Coalition Against Domestic Violence
Statewide network providing shelter, legal help, and advocacy for survivors of violence and harassment. - Lutheran Community Services Northwest
Offers legal advocacy, counseling, and community-based support for survivors of abuse and stalking.
6. Civil Remedies and Protection Orders
Washington offers various types of Civil Protection Orders (CPOs), including Anti-Harassment Orders, Domestic Violence Protection Orders, and Stalking Protection Orders. These restrict contact, communication, and presence. Forms are available online, and legal aid is often available to help with filing.
Important Note on Jurisdiction: If the individual you are seeking a restraining order against lives in a different state, your local court may not have jurisdiction to enforce that order. In most cases, you must file for protection in the state where that individual resides or where the conduct occurred. This applies even in situations involving online harassment, defamation, or stalking. Contact legal aid services in both your state and the other person’s state for guidance.
7. Youth and School Resources
- Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction – Bullying Prevention
Offers guidance for schools, parents, and students on bullying policies and reporting tools.
8. Court Forms and Filing Help
- Washington Courts – Protection Order Forms
Provides downloadable forms and instructions for civil protection orders including stalking and harassment.
9. Online Safety and Privacy Tools
- NNEDV Tech Safety Toolkit
Offers privacy guides and tools for survivors of online abuse, surveillance, or impersonation.
Disclaimer: This information is provided for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.
