Domestic Violence Safety and Housing

Please note. This guide shares general information only. It is not legal, financial, tax or professional advice. Laws vary by state and city. For advice about your situation, talk with a licensed professional.

Hi friend. If someone is hurting you, scaring you or controlling you, it is not your fault, and you deserve to be safe. Help in Washington is confidential, and you get to decide what happens next.

Safety first: if you're in danger right now, call 911. If someone checks your phone or computer, use a device they can't see, like a library computer or a friend's phone, and clear your browser history.

A few things to know

• You choose. Use what feels right for you and skip anything that doesn't.
• Each place decides who it can serve. We share what each place says it offers and how to reach it. We can't promise money, a bed or a spot in any program.
• This guide shares general information, not legal or medical advice.
• Hours and details change. Call ahead when you can.

Who can I call for help?

• Washington State Domestic Violence Hotline: 800.562.6025. They share information, help with safety planning and connect you with local advocates and shelter.
• National Domestic Violence Hotline: 800.799.7233, or text START to 88788. Open 24/7, in more than 200 languages. Source (As of October 21, 2026): https://www.thehotline.org/
• King County DVHopeline: 206.737.0242. Advocates answer 6 am to 10 pm, and overnight calls go to the National Hotline. Source (As of October 21, 2026): https://newbegin.org/find-help/helpline/
• StrongHearts Native Helpline: 844.762.8483, for Native Americans and Alaska Natives. Source (As of October 21, 2026): https://wscadv.org/get-help-now/
• RAINN National Sexual Assault Hotline: 800.656.4673. Source (As of October 21, 2026): https://wscadv.org/get-help-now/

What does an advocate do?

A domestic violence advocate is a trained person who listens without judging and helps you understand your options. In Washington, advocates at community programs keep what you tell them confidential, with some limits like child abuse reporting.

Source (As of October 21, 2026): https://wscadv.org/get-help-now/

• They can help with safety planning, shelter, protection orders, court, housing and benefits.
• They can go with you to court or the hospital.
• They respect your choices, whether you stay, leave or aren't sure yet.

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Your safety plan is yours

There's no one right way to be safe. An advocate can help you build a plan that fits your life!

How do I get a protection order?

Washington courts offer civil protection orders for domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, harassment and vulnerable adults. An advocate can help you understand your options.

Source (As of October 21, 2026): https://app.leg.wa.gov/rcw/default.aspx?cite=7.105

• You file a petition at your county's superior or district court, and in many counties you can file online.
• There's no filing fee for domestic violence protection orders.
• A judge can grant a temporary order the same day, and set a hearing for a full order.
• Washington Law Help has plain language guides and forms. Source (As of October 21, 2026): https://www.washingtonlawhelp.org/
• Advocates can help you fill out the forms and go with you to the hearing.

Can I end my lease early to stay safe?

Survivors may have options to end a lease early for safety. Washington's renter rules explain the steps and the papers you may need.

Check the details on the official page and decide what fits your situation. Source (As of October 21, 2026): https://app.leg.wa.gov/rcw/default.aspx?cite=59.18

• Ask an advocate about changing the locks if the abuser lives elsewhere.
• Talk with an advocate or legal aid before you act, so you get the steps right.

You are not alone, and what's happening is not your fault. You deserve to be safe.

From the Bunklow team

How can I keep my new address private?

The Address Confidentiality Program from the Washington Secretary of State gives survivors a substitute address to use with government agencies, schools and more. Mail sent there is forwarded to you.

Source (As of October 21, 2026): https://www.sos.wa.gov/statewide-programs/address-confidentiality-program-acp

• Call 800.822.1065 to learn about it. You usually enroll with the help of an advocate.

How do I protect my kids?

• Include kids in your safety plan in a way that fits their age. Teach them how to call 911.
• If a child is being abused or neglected, call DCYF at 866.363.4276 (866.END.HARM). Source (As of October 21, 2026): https://www.dcyf.wa.gov/safety/report-abuse
• Protection orders can include your children.
• Advocates can help with custody questions and connect kids to counseling.

What about technology and stalking?

• Abusers can track phones, cars and accounts. If you think you're being tracked, talk with an advocate before changing anything, since sudden changes can raise danger.
• Change passwords from a safe device, and turn off location sharing.
• Check for unknown apps and devices, and keep a log of stalking with dates and screenshots.

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Use a safe device

Library computers and a trusted friend's phone are good options for looking up help privately!

Help for immigrants, LGBTQ+ survivors and men

• You can get help regardless of your immigration status. Some immigration protections exist for survivors. The Northwest Immigrant Rights Project can help: 800.445.5771. Source (As of October 21, 2026): https://ocla.wa.gov/find-legal-help
• LGBTQ+ survivors deserve the same safety and support. Ask any hotline for affirming help.
• Men can be survivors too. Every program here serves people of all genders.

Words to know

How 211 works in Washington

Washington 211 is a statewide line that connects you to local help with housing, food, utilities, health care and more. Source (As of October 21, 2026): https://wa211.org/

• Dial 211 from most phones. You can also search the resource database at wa211.org.
• Tell the specialist your county or ZIP code and what you need most today.
• Ask for interpreters if you need one.
• In many counties, 211 is also the front door to Coordinated Entry, the system that matches people to shelter and housing programs.
• Write down every name, number and program they give you, so you can call back.

Staying safe while you get help

Your safety comes first, always.

• If you're in danger right now, call 911. You can text 911 in many parts of Washington if calling isn't safe. Source (As of October 21, 2026): https://mil.wa.gov/911
• If you're thinking about suicide or you're in crisis, call or text 988 any time. Source (As of October 21, 2026): https://988lifeline.org/
• Never give your Social Security number, EBT PIN or bank details to someone who contacts you first.
• Real programs won't ask you to pay with gift cards, wire transfers or crypto. Report scams to the Washington Attorney General at 800.551.4636. Source (As of October 21, 2026): https://www.atg.wa.gov/consumer-protection
• Meet new people in public places, and tell someone you trust where you're going.

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Trust your gut

If something feels off, it's okay to walk away and ask someone you trust before you sign or pay anything!

Your rights when you ask for help

• You can ask for an interpreter when you apply for state benefits. Ask for one in your language.
• You can ask for reasonable accommodations if you have a disability.
• Washington law bans discrimination in housing, jobs and public places. If you were treated unfairly, contact the Washington State Human Rights Commission at 800.233.3247. Source (As of October 21, 2026): https://www.hum.wa.gov/
• If DSHS denies or cuts your benefits, you can ask for a hearing. Read your letter for the deadline. Source (As of October 21, 2026): https://www.dshs.wa.gov/office-locations
• There's no shame in asking. Asking for help is a smart, brave step.

Questions people ask a lot

Who can I call in my county?

The places below are grouped from statewide help down to county help. Washington has 39 counties, and we list some of the largest.

If your county isn't here, dial 211, and they'll connect you to help where you live.

Federal help that works in every state

Here are some places to start.

Other local groups may also help.

Washington

Here are some places to start.

Other local groups may also help.

King County (Seattle)

Here are some places to start.

Other local groups may also help.

Pierce County (Tacoma)

Here are some places to start.

Other local groups may also help.

Snohomish County (Everett)

Here are some places to start.

Other local groups may also help.

Spokane County (Spokane)

Here are some places to start.

Other local groups may also help.

Clark County (Vancouver)

Here are some places to start.

Other local groups may also help.

Thurston County (Olympia)

Here are some places to start.

Other local groups may also help.

Kitsap County (Bremerton)

Here are some places to start.

Other local groups may also help.

Yakima County (Yakima)

Here are some places to start.

Other local groups may also help.

Whatcom County (Bellingham)

Here are some places to start.

Other local groups may also help.

Benton and Franklin Counties (Tri-Cities)

Here are some places to start.

Other local groups may also help.

Other Washington counties

Here are some places to start.

Other local groups may also help.

My safety plan

Fill this in only if it's safe to keep. You can also keep it with a trusted friend.

My appointments and notes

Keep track of where you need to be and what people told you. Bring this page to every appointment.

Key numbers to keep

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Please let me know if you have any questions

If something here is out of date, tell us and we'll fix it. Make it a great day, friend!

About this guide

Made by the Bunklow team. No sign up. Please share it with anyone who could use it. We don't run these programs. We don't manage properties. We list what each place says it offers and how to reach it, and you decide what to use. This is not a full list of every place that can help. Every source was checked on October 21, 2026. If something has changed, please tell us so we can fix it. We are always happy to hear from you!

Please note. This guide shares general information only. It is not legal, financial, tax or professional advice. Laws vary by state and city. For advice about your situation, talk with a licensed professional.

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Last updated October 21, 2026