A
vital new law was put in place in 2006 which allows for Protection
Orders to be issued to victims of nonconsensual sexual conduct
or penetration. With this law in place, the gap was filled between
a domestic violence Protection Order and an Anti-Harassment Protection
Order. Victims no longer have to meet the household relationship
definition for a Domestic Violence protection Order, or show that
the acts had repeatedly happened over a period of time for an
Anti Harassment Protection Order. It only has to happen once for
a victim to ask the Court for a Sexual Assault Protection Order.
What is
Sexual Assault?
It is when you are a victim of nonconsensual sexual conduct or
penetration. The definition for sexual conduct is fairly broad
and includes improper touching whether the victim is clothed or
not.
Who Qualifies
for a Civil Sexual Assault Protection Order?
If you do not meet the definitions for a Domestic Violence Protection
Order (link) and there has been nonconsensual sexual conduct or
penetration with you, your child or a vulnerable adult, the victim
qualifies for a Sexual Assault Protection Order. If you are unsure,
please call the Clerk's Office at 360-416-1800.
Where do
I go to get Sexual Assault Protection Order?
Contact the Prosecutor's Office at 360-416-1600 if there are criminal
charges pending. If not, go to the Clerk's Office.
Sexual
Assault Protection Orders are free.
