Reporting Stalking to Washington Officials
Every hotline, state agency, and court resource you need to report stalking in Washington.
In danger now? Call 911 · National DV Hotline 1-800-799-7233 · Crisis Line 988
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How to use this guide
This guide covers statewide Washington resources: the government agencies, hotlines, and courts that serve every county. Each section also tells you how to find the right local office near you.
Start here: Washington has a dedicated Stalking Protection Order for victims of stalking, separate from domestic violence orders.
Before you call: have your documentation ready — dates, what happened, any messages or photos saved, and whether a report has already been filed elsewhere.
If you're in danger: call 911 first. Every other number in this guide is for follow-up support, not emergency response.
Emergency & Immediate Danger
Emergency — Police, Fire, Medical
911
Call if you are in immediate danger, right now.
Washington State Patrol
Via wsp.wa.gov
For non-emergency matters outside local police jurisdiction.
VINE — Victim Information and Notification Everyday
Via vinelink.com
Free, confidential notification when an arrested person's custody status changes.
Can't speak safely? In areas where Text-to-911 is supported, you can text instead of calling — check with your mobile carrier for coverage in your county.
Washington — Statewide Agencies
WA Dept. of Labor & Industries — Crime Victims Compensation Program
Via lni.wa.gov
Helps pay medical and counseling costs for victims of violent crime; a source of last resort for costs not otherwise covered.
lni.wa.gov ↗WA Office of Crime Victims Advocacy (Dept. of Commerce)
1-866-290-4236
State office that supports crime victims' rights and services.
commerce.wa.gov ↗Washington Address Confidentiality Program (Secretary of State)
1-800-822-1065
360-753-2972 · a substitute address for survivors of stalking, domestic violence, sexual assault, or trafficking.
sos.wa.gov/address-confidentiality-program-acp ↗Reporting to Local Police & Sheriffs
Stalking is usually reported to the police department in the city where you live or work, or to your county sheriff outside city limits.
Your local police department (non-emergency line)
Dial 911, or search “[your city] police non-emergency”
Stalking can be reported at any city police department or county sheriff's office.
Your county sheriff's office
Varies by county
Primary law enforcement in unincorporated parts of Washington.
Your county court clerk
Find yours via courts.wa.gov
Ask where to file a Stalking Protection Order or Anti-Harassment Protection Order.
Good to know: you can file a report at any police department, not only the one nearest the stalker. Ask for the officer's name, a complaint or case number, and how to follow up.
Protection Orders in Washington
Stalking Protection Order: created for victims of stalking, including cyberstalking, who may not qualify for a domestic violence order — an ex parte temporary order is possible.
Anti-Harassment Protection Order: another option for victims of harassment who don't fall under the domestic violence statute.
If it's violated: a knowing violation of a stalking protection order is a gross misdemeanor.
Where to file
Your county court clerk can confirm the right court and any local protection order help.
Step-by-Step: What to Expect
Filing a Police Report
- 1Go to any police department or county sheriff's office — you do not have to go to the one nearest the stalker.
- 2Ask to speak with an officer and say clearly that you want to report stalking or harassment.
- 3Bring your documentation: dates, messages, photos, and names of any witnesses.
- 4Ask for the report's complaint number before you leave, and request a copy if possible.
- 5Ask about victim assistance resources — many departments have a victim advocate or can refer you to the Office of Crime Victims Advocacy.
Getting a Protective Order
- 1Contact your county court clerk and ask for a Stalking Protection Order petition.
- 2Describe each incident of stalking with as much detail as possible — dates, what happened, and any pattern you've noticed.
- 3File the petition; a judge can issue a temporary ex parte order if immediate protection is needed.
- 4A full hearing follows, where the court decides whether to issue a final stalking protection order.
- 5Keep a copy of any order with you, at home, and at work.
Specialized Support
DCYF / DSHS Abuse Reporting — 1-866-END-HARM
1-866-363-4276
TTY-accessible · report suspected abuse or neglect of a child or vulnerable adult; the operator connects you to the right office.
DSHS Adult Protective Services (vulnerable adults at home)
1-877-734-6277
For vulnerable adults living in the community.
Quick-Reference Contact Sheet
| Agency | Phone | Scope |
|---|---|---|
| Emergency — Police, Fire, Medical | 911 | Emergency |
| Washington State Patrol | Via wsp.wa.gov | Emergency |
| VINE — Victim Information and Notification Everyday | Via vinelink.com | Emergency |
| WA Dept. of Labor & Industries — Crime Victims Compensation Program | Via lni.wa.gov | Statewide |
| WA Office of Crime Victims Advocacy (Dept. of Commerce) | 1-866-290-4236 | Statewide |
| Washington Address Confidentiality Program (Secretary of State) | 1-800-822-1065 | Statewide |
| DCYF / DSHS Abuse Reporting — 1-866-END-HARM | 1-866-363-4276 | Specialized |
| DSHS Adult Protective Services (vulnerable adults at home) | 1-877-734-6277 | Specialized |
Frequently Asked Questions — Reporting Stalking in Washington
How do I report stalking in Washington?
If you are in immediate danger, call 911. Otherwise, file a report with your local police department or county sheriff's office — you do not have to go to the one nearest the stalker. Bring dates, messages, photos, and witness names, and ask for the complaint or case number before you leave.
What should I do first if I think I'm being stalked in Washington?
Stop engaging and start documenting. Save every message, call log, and screenshot with dates and times, and keep a written log of each incident. Then report it to local law enforcement using the contacts in this guide, and call 911 any time you are in immediate danger.
How do I get a protective order in Washington?
Stalking Protection Order: created for victims of stalking, including cyberstalking, who may not qualify for a domestic violence order — an ex parte temporary order is possible. Anti-Harassment Protection Order: another option for victims of harassment who don't fall under the domestic violence statute. If it's violated: a knowing violation of a stalking protection order is a gross misdemeanor.
Is there a fee to file a protective order in Washington?
Filing fees vary by court in Washington, but many protection-order petitions for stalking victims are free or fee-waived. The court listed in this guide can confirm the current fee before you file.
Can I get financial help for stalking-related costs in Washington?
Yes — Washington has a victim compensation program that may help cover medical, counseling, and lost-wage costs. Contact WA Dept. of Labor & Industries — Crime Victims Compensation Program at Via lni.wa.gov.
What counts as stalking under Washington law?
Stalking is a repeated pattern of unwanted conduct — following you, repeated calls, texts, or messages, showing up uninvited, tracking your location, or making threats — that would cause a reasonable person to fear for their safety. In Washington, a protective order is generally available regardless of your relationship to the stalker.
Can I report stalking in Washington if the stalker lives in another state?
Yes. File the report where you live or where the stalking occurred. If the behavior crosses state lines, tell the officer — some cases may involve cross-jurisdiction or federal enforcement.
Can I report stalking anonymously in Washington?
You can submit tips anonymously through statewide hotlines, and many child and adult abuse hotlines accept anonymous reports. For a criminal case, your name may need to appear on the report — ask the agency about its confidentiality policy.
What evidence should I save when reporting stalking in Washington?
Save every message, email, voicemail, screenshot, and call log with dates and times; keep a written incident log; and note any witnesses. Back everything up to a secure location the stalker cannot access.
Where can I download the printable Washington reporting guide?
You can download the free Washington reporting guide as a PDF at https://www.stalking.org/Stalking.org-Reporting-to-Washington-Officials.pdf. It includes every phone number and court contact in one printable sheet.
Disclaimer
The information on Stalking.org is provided for general informational and educational purposes only. It is not legal advice, medical advice, or mental-health advice, and it does not create an attorney-client or other professional relationship. If you are in immediate danger, call 911 (United States) or your local emergency number — Stalking.org is not a crisis hotline. Laws and platform policies change frequently, so always consult a qualified attorney, law enforcement officer, or licensed professional about your specific situation.
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