Legal Resources

The Legal Resources page provides links to various resources and organizations that can assist with legal questions and concerns, including domestic violence victims assistance, landlord-tenant disputes, and consumer protection. The City has not reviewed these resources for accuracy or legal sufficiency but provides them for reference and assistance.

Domestic Violence
Washington state law defines domestic violence as almost any criminal act committed by a "family or household member" against another. Domestic violence includes five primary categories of abusive behaviors: physical violence, emotional abuse, sexual assault, economic control, and neglect.

Where to get help:

If you or someone you know are in an emergency situation call 911 immediately.

Dove House is the crime victim service agency in Jefferson County. They offer a variety of services to victims who are currently experiencing or have ever experienced domestic violence, sexual assault, and general crime. For more information visit the Dove House website.

No Contact Orders
No Contact Orders are issued by a Jefferson County District Court Judge in most Domestic Violence cases. These Orders remain valid until lifted by the issuing court.

If you are a victim of Domestic Violence and have received a copy of the No Contact order issued by the Jefferson County District Court please read the order carefully.

Victim’s Rights:

Victims, survivors, and witnesses have certain rights guaranteed by law. These laws are found in RCW 7.69

Elder and Vulnerable Adult Abuse
Abuse means the willful action or inaction that causes injury, unreasonable confinement, intimidation, neglect or punishment of a vulnerable adult. In instances of abuse of a vulnerable adult who is unable to express or demonstrate physical harm, neglect, pain or mental anguish, the abuse is presumed to cause physical harm, pain or mental anguish. Abuse includes neglect, sexual abuse, mental abuse, physical abuse and exploitation of a vulnerable adult.

Where to get help:

If you believe you or someone you know is the victim of abuse, call 911 immediately.

For additional information and resources visit the DSHS website

Protection of Children and Juveniles
RCW 26.44.020 defines abuse and neglect as injury, sexual abuse, sexual exploitation, negligent treatment or maltreatment of a child by any person under circumstances which indicate that the child's health, welfare, and safety is harmed. Abuse and neglect do NOT include the physical discipline of a child as defined in RCW 9A.16.100.

Where to get help:

If you or someone you know is in danger, call 911 immediately.

The Washington State Department of Children, Youth and Families offer services at the Port Townsend DCFS Office: