Restraining Orders

If the judge denies your petition for a full protection order, the judge is required to tell you the procedures, both verbally and in writing, for filing a motion for reconsideration or a motion for revision. The judge must also give you contact information for a civil legal aid organization.¹

If you were not granted a domestic violence protection order because your relationship with the abuser or the type of abuse you experienced does not qualify under the law, you may be able to seek protection through one of these orders:

• Sexual Assault Protection Order;
• Civil Anti-harassment Order;
• Stalking Protection Order;
• Vulnerable Adult Protection Order; or
• Extreme Risk Protection Order.

However, the judge cannot deny your domestic violence protection order just because the acts you put in your petition would qualify for a different type of order.² You may also be able to reapply for a domestic violence protection order if a new incident of domestic abuse occurs after you are denied the order.

If you believe the judge made an error of law, you can talk to someone at a domestic violence organization or a lawyer about the possibility of an appeal. Generally, appeals are complicated, and you will most likely need the help of a lawyer. For basic information on appeals, go to our Filing an Appeal page.

Even if you are not granted a domestic violence protection order, there are still some things you can do to try to stay safe. It might be a good idea to contact one of the domestic violence resource centers in your area to get help, support, and advice on how to stay safe. They may be able to help you develop a safety plan and help connect you with the resources you need. For safety planning help, ideas, and information, go to our Safety Planning page. You will find a list of resources in Washington on our WA Places that Help page.

¹ R.C.W. § 7.105.0001(2)
² R.C.W. § 7.105.100(5)