Extending Protections for Domestic Violence Survivors
Washington State has a great track record for affording strong protections to victims of domestic violence and their families. Unfortunately, many legal aide advocates noticed that there were some areas where protections were missing and families were staying at risk and continuing to live in fear.
Many families who experience domestic violence flee to a new location to escape their abuser. While relocating can offer temporary reprieve, there is always the risk that the abuser will discover the location of the family's new home and pursue them. Washington State law lacks the precedent of providing protection orders to families if the abuse did not take place in our state, leaving families vulnerable without the cloak of legal protection preventing contact.
How Washington Appleseed is Helping
In collaboration with our community and corporate partners, Washington Appleseed compiled "pocket briefs" that advocates can use to help secure domestic violence protection orders for survivors in Washington State. A two-part set, the first brief explores the implications of new domestic violence legislation passed in 2010 and the second makes the case for precedent in issuing domestic violence protection orders if minumum contacts have not been established in Washington.
Publications
Download free copies of both pocket briefs here:
Pocket brief on changes to Washington's Domestic Violence Protection Act
Pocket brief on in rem jurisdiction
Latest News
We are happy to report that our pocket briefs are already making a difference for families in Washington! Community advocates have reported that they have used our in rem jurisdiction brief to secure year-long protection orders for families who suffered abuse in other states.
Pro Bono and Community Partners
A special thank you to our pro bono volunteers: Daniel Oates, Judy Endejan and Leslie Savina.