Is domestic violence limited to couples or family members?

No.

Violence among people who live together as roommates – even those who are not in a romantic relationship – is considered domestic violence.

Family or household members are defined in section 26.50.010 of the Revised Code of Washington.

“Family or household members" means: (a) Adult persons related by blood or marriage; (b) adult persons who are presently residing together or who have resided together in the past; and (c) persons who have a biological or legal parent-child relationship, including stepparents and stepchildren and grandparents and grandchildren.

That section also defines domestic violence:

"Domestic violence" means: (a) Physical harm, bodily injury, assault, or the infliction of fear of imminent physical harm, bodily injury or assault, sexual assault, or stalking as defined in RCW 9A.46.110 of one intimate partner by another intimate partner; or (b) physical harm, bodily injury, assault, or the infliction of fear of imminent physical harm, bodily injury or assault, sexual assault, or stalking as defined in RCW 9A.46.110 of one family or household member by another family or household member.

Domestic violence includes, but is not limited to, the crimes outlined in RCW 10.99.020.

People who need emergency protection against a domestic abuser can get a protection order online. Follow this link for information.

A protection order is a type of restraining order that the petitioner, can file against another person (the respondent) if you believe you have been a victim of domestic violence by the other person.

Because it is a civil order, petitioners can file this type of order even if the police have never been called or there has never been a domestic violence conviction.

For more information, go to the King County protection order website.

Additional domestic violence resources are listed below:

Domestic Violence Advocacy Resources

• Washington State Coalition Against Domestic Violence
• DV Agency Service Map
• WSCADV COVID-19 Resource List
• API Chaya
• Community Collected Resources in Response to Covid-19

Sexual Assault Advocacy Resources

• Harborview Center for Sexual Assault and Traumatic Stress offers crisis intervention, general, legal and medical advocacy, information and referral.  Assists crime victims to complete and submit Crime Victim Compensation applications.
• Consejo’s Sexual Assault Program offers free services to survivors of any age/gender and their Seattle office remains open M-F 8am to 5pm.
• King County Sexual Assault Resource Center – Resources for Survivors during COVID

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