What are the grounds for a restraining order?

A restraining order is a court order that limits the behavior of a person or “restrains” them from engaging in certain activities. In Washington, a person can seek a restraining order if they are the target of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, or have been threatened with physical injury. To obtain a restraining order in Washington, the petitioner must submit a petition to the court listing the evidence of the abuse or threat. Evidence can include text messages, emails, witness accounts, police reports, or any other forms of evidence. Further, the petitioner must prove that the respondent has a personal relationship with the petitioner, or that the respondent has repeatedly harassed the petitioner and a restraining order is needed to stop the behavior. Depending on the county, the petitioner may also be required to attend an informational hearing before the court issues a restraining order. If the court finds that the petitioner has sufficient evidence of abuse, the court may issue a restraining order. The restraining order can include orders such as prohibiting the respondent from contacting the petitioner, not entering the petitioner’s home or workplace, or not taking certain monetary or property. Violating a restraining order is a crime in Washington and can result in fines, jail time, or both.

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