legal

How to Get a Domestic Violence Protection Order in Washington

Washington DVPO process explained simply for survivors.

WashingtonDVPO

LEGAL & COURT SAFETY

Understanding Protection Orders in Canada

From Temporary Order to Full Hearing

In many parts of Canada, a person can ask the court for a protection order (sometimes called a restraining order, emergency protection order, or peace bond). The exact name and process vary by province and territory.

Often, the process has three main stages:

Temporary or emergency order
In some regions, a judge or justice of the peace can make a short-term order quickly, sometimes the same day. This may be done without the other person present if there is concern about immediate safety. The order usually takes effect once it is officially made and served.
Service on the other person
The other person (the respondent) usually must be “served” with the documents so they know about the order and the court date. Service is often done by police, a process server, or another approved adult, depending on local rules. You normally do not need to hand the papers to the person yourself.
Full hearing
Later, the court may hold a more detailed hearing where both sides can attend, share information, and suggest what conditions are needed. The judge can then decide whether to continue, change, or end the order, and for how long.

Processes, names, and timelines are different across provinces and territories. Local legal clinics, duty counsel, or a community support worker can explain how the rules work where you live.

Who May Be Able to File

Depending on the type of order and local laws, the following people may be able to apply:

The person experiencing harm, threats, stalking, or harassment
A parent or guardian on behalf of a child
A substitute decision-maker or similar role for someone who cannot apply on their own
In some emergency situations, police or designated professionals may apply for an emergency protection order on someone’s behalf

Court staff or a legal clinic can often explain who is allowed to apply for each type of order in your area without giving you full legal representation.

Possible Types of Relief (What the Order Can Include)

Relief options depend on the kind of order, the situation, and your province or territory. A court may be able to include conditions such as:

No contact (in person, online, by phone, text, or through others, except where the order allows)
Not coming near your home, work, school, or other listed places
Temporary arrangements about who can stay in the home
Rules about picking up or dropping off children, if children are involved
Not possessing weapons or firearms, or handing them to police
Conditions to prevent stalking, surveillance, or unwanted monitoring

Courts decide conditions case by case. If something is important for your safety, you can usually mention it to the court or to a duty counsel lawyer, even if you are not sure it is allowed.

How Long Protection Orders Can Last

The duration of a protection order depends on the type of order and the region:

Some emergency or temporary orders last only days or weeks, until the full hearing.
Some final orders can last months or years.
Certain orders may have no fixed end date but can be changed or cancelled by the court later.

Orders usually state on the document how long they last and whether there is a future court date. If you are unsure, you can ask court staff to help you read the order.

If an order is close to expiring and you remain concerned about safety, it may be possible to ask the court to review or extend it. This timeline and process are different in each province and territory.

For information about additional support options and safety planning across Canada, you can also look at resources listed through DV.Support.