Domestic violence is defined as (a) physical harm, bodily injury, assault, or the infliction of fear of imminent physical harm, bodily injury or assault, between family or household members; (b) sexual assault of one family or household member by another; or (c) stalking as of one family or household member by another family or household member.

Family or household members includes, but is not limited to, spouses, domestic partners, former spouses, former domestic partners, persons who have a child in common, adults related by blood or marriage, adults who are presently residing together or who have resided together in the past, and people who have a biological or legal parent-child relationship, including stepparents and stepchildren and grandparents and grandchildren.

Steps to Take if Your are a Victim
If you are the victim of domestic violence, you can seek a domestic violence protection order. The order may restrain the respondent from having any contact with you, from coming to your home or workplace, from coming within a certain distance of you, your home, or workplace, and/or restrain him or her from harassing, stalking, or keeping you under surveillance.

In Pierce County, Wash., you can apply for a protection order in Room 108 of the Pierce County Superior Court, at the Crystal Judson Family Justice Center, or at a domestic violence kiosk. More information can be found HERE.

Nicole M. Bolan, Attorney at Law
Blado Kiger Bolan, Tacoma, Wash.