Domestic violence protections lapse in dispute

Governor Jay Inslee's emergency proclamation has waived in-person delivery of protection orders, in-person hearings for orders, and the deadline for hearings if a temporary protection order has been issued.

And with courts largely closed to enforce social distancing during the coronavirus crisis, for some, this could mean a lapse in domestic violence protections.

Responding to this issue, Republican leaders refused consent to extend the order for another month.

“At some point, doesn't every person deserve their day in court in a timely manner? We can do better,” said Senate Republican Leader Mark Schoesler.

Advocates for those facing domestic or sexual assault welcomed the streamlined procedures but worry about the lapse of the protective proclamation.

“When this kind of confusion comes up, it inevitably discourages victims from coming forward and getting protection orders," said Mary Ellen Stone, director of the King County Sexual Assault Center.

“This proclamation is not about convenience,” Gov. Inslee said. “It is about saving lives of domestic violence and sexual assault victims who are in need of protection now more than ever.”

Stone believes many of the changes should be made permanent.

“What we want to do is go back to what the underlying desire is to make sure that victims of sexual assault domestic violence and other interpersonal violence have the easiest access possible to a tool that protects them.

Republican leaders said they want both the victim and accused to have due process.

“We take domestic violence very seriously, restraining orders are very important. But at some point that person that's been charged does deserve a day in court,” said Sen. Schoesler.

Advocates for survivors say they will continue to pursue protection for domestic violence victims. Anyone who needs help can reach the King County Sexual Assault Center 24 hours a day at 888.99.VOICE or visit www.kcsarc.org/gethelp.

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