Fear for personal safety, stemming from threats by domestic partners, roommates, or stalkers, often deters individuals from seeking the protection of a court-ordered protection order. The public nature of pursuing such legal recourse can exacerbate the fear and vulnerability of those seeking protection. To address this critical issue, a collaborative effort between a Seattle-area government program and Microsoft has resulted in a revolutionary online portal, significantly simplifying the process of obtaining a protection order.
The Protection Order Portal, managed by the King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office, has proven remarkably effective since its June 2024 launch, averaging 17 applications daily. This innovative online system streamlines the filing of necessary legal documents, and crucially, connects applicants with in-person advocates when required, providing crucial support during a vulnerable time.
According to King County Prosecutor Leesa Manion, the fully online process is transformative, saving lives and fostering a greater sense of safety within homes and communities. The system also contributes to a reduction in children witnessing domestic violence.
Legislative enhancements passed in June 2025 further bolster protection. These include provisions informing survivors when abusers seek to regain firearm access, increasing penalties for abusers possessing homemade or “ghost” guns, and ensuring continued protection for minors under protection orders even after they turn 18.
Protection orders extend to various scenarios including domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, cyberstalking, and harassment. While the commission of a crime isn’t a prerequisite for applying for an order, applicants must provide evidence substantiating their concerns. Once granted, the order legally prohibits specified actions, such as contact or proximity to the protected individual, empowering victims to seek police assistance if these prohibitions are violated. The orders can also safeguard children and pets.
Melissa Hutchins, a victim of cyberstalking who was ultimately successful in securing a 9-year sentence for her harasser (convicted), now advocates for both online and in-person support systems. As founder and CEO of Certifi AI, a Seattle-based digital identity protection startup, Hutchins understands the urgent need for accessible support during the process of obtaining protection.
Hutchins emphasizes the critical importance of accessible support during such a frightening and urgent time, highlighting the significant value of the online portal in making legal protection more readily available. Before the pandemic prompted the shift to online services, the process was entirely paper-based and required numerous in-person appearances at the courthouse, according to Kelsey Greer, program manager of the Protection Order Advocacy Program.
The previous system involved multiple trips to the courthouse, including collecting and submitting documents and attending three hearings. The complexities were further compounded for those navigating the process without legal representation. The new portal simplifies this by utilizing a user-friendly questionnaire that automatically transfers answers to the formal application.
While streamlining the process, the portal maintains the existing legal standards, with judges or commissioners retaining final authority on order approval. Renewals, modifications, and terminations, however, remain subject to in-person filing. The demand for protection orders has risen significantly, increasing by 26% from 2022 to 2023, reflecting changes in Washington’s petition process implemented in July 2022.
While reports of domestic assault decreased overall, data from the Council on Criminal Justice and the U.S. Bureau of Justice Statistics reveal a concerning spike in intimate partner violence from 2021 to 2022. Experts attribute this increase to pandemic-related isolation and financial stressors.
The impetus for the online portal wasn’t primarily financial savings, but rather a response to the surging demand for protection orders. The online system significantly enhances the capacity to serve those in need, ensuring that those who fear for their safety can readily access the help they require.