Washington law
Domestic Violence Laws in Washington.
Washington's principal civil-protection remedy is the Protection Order under the unified Civil Protection Orders Act (RCW 7.105), which consolidated six former protection-order statutes effective July 2022. Protection orders cover domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, vulnerable-adult, antiharassment, and extreme risk (firearm) situations. Washington criminalizes domestic violence through enhanced penalties under RCW 10.99 and specific offenses including assault (domestic violence) under RCW 9A.36.041.
Last verified: 2026-04-20
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State law
Key Washington Statutes
Washington's unified civil-protection-order statute, effective July 2022 — consolidates DV, sexual-assault, stalking, vulnerable-adult, antiharassment, and extreme-risk (firearm) protection orders into a single framework.
Washington's principal criminal-DV statute — governs mandatory arrest, no-contact orders, and enhanced penalties for DV offenses.
Washington requires surrender of firearms by respondents subject to qualifying protection orders or domestic-violence convictions.
State law
Official Sources
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This page summarizes publicly available statutes and rules for informational purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice, and no attorney-client relationship is created by viewing this content. Laws change — always verify with the primary source or consult a licensed attorney in Washington.
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