Victims/survivors have the right to seek legal protections such as orders of protection, no contact orders, restraining orders, or other lawful orders of criminal, civil, or tribal courts. WSU will comply with the lawful orders issued by such a court and will make modifications to educational and/or workplace environments to comply with the terms of such lawful orders.
In Washington, civil protection orders can be requested if an individual is experiencing domestic violence, harassment, sexual assault, or stalking. Restraining orders can be requested as part of a family law action (e.g. a restraining order may be requested during divorce proceedings). Individuals do not need an attorney to request a protection order, although an advocate or an attorney can assist. WSU recommends that individuals seeking a protection order consult with a victim advocate, who will be familiar with the local court process and available to help with safety concerns. There is no fee to file for a protection order. The Northwest Justice Project provides a guide for individuals who would like to seek a protection order: “How to File for a Protection Order.” In general, District and Superior Courts statewide have a petition form that can be filled out and provided to the county clerk; supporting evidence may also be provided as part of this process. A judge will review the petition and determine whether it meets the requirements for the type of protection order. If so, the judge will issue a temporary order of protection. This determination typically happens within the same day or the day following the submission of a petition; at times, the petitioner may have to appear at the temporary order hearing. If the judge issues a temporary order of protection, law enforcement will serve the protection order documents onto the person. A full protection order hearing will be scheduled, and the judge will decide whether to issue a final protection order.
In addition to a court ordered protection order, WSU may also implement a no contact directive on any party as an interim or supportive measure, or as a sanction after a determination of responsibility, consistent with the WSU Code of Conduct for Students WAC-504-26-050, WSU BPPM 50.30 – Workplace Violence, and WA Governor’s Executive Order 96-05 – Domestic Violence in the workplace. WSU also provides for reasonable amounts of unpaid leave or use of any accrued leave to recover from and cope with the effects of such violence, in accordance with RCW 49.76.100.