Sexual Assault Protection Order (SAPO) 

Filing Fee: None

• RCW 7.90.010(4) Sexual Conduct: includes intentional or knowing touching of genitals, anus, or breasts (even over or through clothing) of another or forced to do on another; intentional or knowing display of genitals, anus, or breasts if for the purposes of sexual gratification of respondent. Forced display of same; intentional or knowing or forced or coerced fondling or touching of genitals, anus or breasts of child under the age of thirteen.
• RCW 7.90.010(5) Sexual Penetration: any contact, however slight between the sex organs or anus of one person by an object, sex organ, mouth or anus of another person or any intrusion, however slight, of any part of the body of one person or any animal or object into the sex organ or anus of another person including but not limited to cunnilingus, fellatio or anal penetration

Who May File:

• Anyone who does not qualify for a DVPO under RCW 26.50 and who is a victim of nonconsensual sexual conduct/penetration
• Anyone on behalf of:
• A minor child
• A vulnerable adult
• Any other adult who because of age, disability, health or inaccessibility cannot file the petition

Vulnerable Adult Protection Order (VAPO)

Filing Fee: None

RCW 74.34: Petition may be filed by vulnerable adult or “interested person” on behalf of the vulnerable adult. Petitioner must allege that there has been abandonment, abuse, neglect, financial exploitation or threat of any of these. Petition must state specific facts and circumstances which demonstrate need for relief sought.

 A Vulnerable Adult:

• Is over the age of 60 and has no functional, mental or physical ability to care for self
• Found incapacitated under RCW 11.88
• Has a developmental disability
• Has been admitted to a facility (nursing home, assisted care, etc.)
• Receiving services from home health, hospice or individual provider
• Self-directs care but gets services from personal aide under RCW 74.39

Extreme Risk Protection Order (ERPO)

Filing Fee: None

RCW 7.94: An Extreme Risk Protection Order can be filed by a law enforcement agency, a law enforcement officer or a person who is a family or household member of the respondent. The order is filed against a person who poses a significant danger of causing personal injury to self or others in the near future by having firearms. Factors that demonstrate such a risk can include threatening or violent behavior, threats, or self-harm, and abuse of drugs or alcohol. The order directs a person to surrender their firearms. It would be illegal to access, receive, purchase, possess or have control of firearms. It also restrains the person from obtaining a concealed pistol license and orders surrender of the license if they already have one.

District Court Protection Orders

Anti-Harassment Protection Order Petitions (AHO/AHPO) and Stalking Protection Order Petitions can be filed with District Court at their Operations Division Public Counter - 930 Tacoma Ave. South, Room 239, Tacoma, WA 98402.

*For assistance determining which court has jurisdiction for an anti-harassment protection order, Click here.

Transfer of Harassment Cases

Under amendments passed by the Washington State Legislature in 2011, the District Court has original jurisdiction over these actions. However, the District Court must transfer such petitions to the Superior Court when it is shown that:

• A - The respondent to the petition is under 18 years of age
• B - The action involves title or possession of real property
• C - A superior court has exercised or is exercising jurisdiction over a proceeding involving the parties
• D - The action would have the effect of interfering with a respondent's care, control or custody of the respondent's minor child

Transfer of Stalking Cases

Under amendments passed by the Washington State Legislature in 2013, the District Court has original jurisdiction over these actions. However, the District Court must transfer such petitions to the Superior Court when it is shown that:

• A - The petitioner, victim, or respondent to the petition is under 18 years of age
• B - The action involves title or possession of real property
• C - A superior court has exercised or is exercising jurisdiction over a proceeding involving the parties
• D - The action would have the effect of interfering with a respondent's care, control or custody of the respondent's minor child