IF YOU ARE A VICTIM OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE, DO NOT FILE IN DISTRICT COURT. INSTEAD, YOU SHOULD FILE A DOMESTIC VIOLENCE PROTECTION ORDER IN SUPERIOR COURT.
DEFINITIONS: RCW 10.14.020
Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, the definitions in this section apply throughout.
1. “Unlawful harassment” means a knowing and willful course of conduct directed at a specific person which seriously alarms, annoys, harasses, or is detrimental to such person, and which serves no legitimate or lawful purpose. The course of conduct shall be such as would cause a reasonable person to suffer substantial emotional distress, and shall actually cause substantial emotional distress to the petitioner, or, when the course of conduct is contact by a person over age eighteen that would cause a reasonable parent to fear for the well-being of their child.
2. “Course of conduct” means a pattern of conduct composed of a series of acts over a period of time, however short, evidencing a continuity of purpose. “Course of conduct” includes, in addition to any other form of communication, contact, or conduct, the sending of an electronic communication. Constitutionally protected activity is not included within the meaning of “course of conduct.”
JURISDICTION: RCW 10.14.150
1. The district courts shall have jurisdiction and cognizance of any civil actions and proceedings brought under this chapter, except the district court shall transfer such actions and proceedings to the superior court when it is shown that the respondent to the petition is under eighteen years of age.
2. Superior courts shall have concurrent jurisdiction to receive transfer of antiharassment petitions in cases where a district court judge makes findings of fact and conclusions of law showing that meritorious reasons exist for the transfer. The municipal and district courts shall have jurisdiction and cognizance of any criminal actions brought under RCW 10.14.120 and RCW 10.14.170.
FOR MORE INFORMATION ON ANTI-HARASSMENT REFER TO WASHINGTON COURTS.