Domestic Violence and Abuse Help & Safety Resources for Single Mothers in Washington

Last updated: September 2025

This is a practical, scan-friendly hub with verified Washington contacts, dollar amounts, timelines, and step‑by‑step actions. All links go to official state agencies or established nonprofits.

Quick Help Box

• If you are in immediate danger — call 911 from any phone. Officers must arrest for certain protection order violations and can help you get to safety.
• National Domestic Violence Hotline — 800‑799‑SAFE (7233), Text 88788, live chat at The Hotline — 24/7 confidential help. Interpretation available in 170+ languages. (wscadv.org)
• Washington State Coalition Against Domestic Violence Local Programs — use the statewide finder to reach the DV program in your county for shelter, safety planning, protection order help, and advocacy. Find Washington DV programs by county. (wscadv.org)
• Washington 211 — dial 211 to be connected to nearby shelters, legal help, food, rent and utility aid; outside WA call 1‑877‑211‑9274. Washington 211 — search and phone access. (wa211.org)
• StrongHearts Native Helpline — culturally specific support for American Indian and Alaska Native survivors. Call 844‑7NATIVE (844‑762‑8483) or chat at strongheartshelpline.org.
• 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline — dial 988 for 24/7 emotional support for you or your kids.

Emergency Actions First

• Get to a safe place — a neighbor’s home, police station, hospital, or public place with staff present.
• Call a hotline safely — use a device your partner cannot access. Hotlines can safety plan, find shelter openings, and help with next steps. WSCADV Get Help Now. (wscadv.org)
• Ask the court for a temporary protection order — many courts can review the same day or by the next judicial day. Washington courts are required to accept petitions in person, remotely, or by mail, and to prioritize ex parte requests. [RCW 7.105.105], [RCW 7.105.305]. (app.leg.wa.gov, law.justia.com)
• If you flee home — Washington law lets DV survivors end a lease early within certain timelines and without further obligation under the lease when you provide proof such as a protection order or a report from a qualified third party. See RCW 59.18.575. Bring any documents you have; a DV advocate can help. (apps.leg.wa.gov)

The Situation in Washington — Reality Check

• The Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs (WASPC) reports that domestic‑violence offenses account for nearly half of “crimes against persons” statewide. Their 2024 Crime in Washington report continues to show DV as a major share even as some violent crime categories decline. (waspc.org, everettpost.com, axios.com)
• WSCADV’s Fatality Review finds DV homicides make up about one in five murders in Washington in a typical year — and prevention depends on quick access to safety, housing, legal help, and income. (wscadv.org)

Interpret these numbers as a signal to act early and use all protections available — legal, housing, financial, and work‑related.

Quick Reference Cheat Sheet

Protection Orders in Washington — What to Do Now

Start with safety planning with an advocate. They can help you choose the right order and file safely.

Types, Timelines, and Fees

Authorities — RCW 7.105 (filing, fee waivers, timelines); local clerk fee schedules show no fees for DV, sexual assault, stalking, extreme risk orders. (app.leg.wa.gov, law.justia.com, snohomishcountywa.gov, kitsap.gov)

Where and How to File

• Washington Courts provide pattern forms and translated forms. Use Washington Courts — Court Forms or Washington LawHelp’s guided interviews for the PO packet. (courts.wa.gov)
• Counties increasingly offer protected e‑filing portals. Example — King County’s online Protection Order Portal offers step‑by‑step filing and same‑day ex parte review if submitted before a mid‑afternoon cutoff on business days. Check your county clerk’s site for its portal or email filing instructions. (kingcounty.gov)
• If you file before close of business on a judicial day, courts must set a full hearing not later than 14 days from filing (extensions for good cause). (law.justia.com)

Service and Safety

• Washington allows electronic service in many situations, though practices vary by court and law enforcement. If service is hard, ask the court for permission for alternative service — mail or publication — and expect a new hearing date within 30 days. (washingtonlawhelp.org, wa-law.org)
• Violations can be crimes. Police must arrest with probable cause of certain PO violations; courts can add electronic monitoring and fines. (apps.leg.wa.gov)

Plan B — What to do if this doesn’t work

• Call your county DV program for an advocate to help fix service problems, ask for re‑issuance of your temporary order, or move your case to the correct court. Use WSCADV’s local program finder. (wscadv.org)

Housing and Staying Housed

Breaking a Lease or Changing Locks

Washington law protects tenants who are DV, sexual assault, stalking, or unlawful harassment survivors.

• You can end your lease without further obligation when you provide a copy of a valid protection order or a signed report from a qualified third party, and you act within 90 days of the incident. You owe rent only through the month you vacate. Keep copies for your records. RCW 59.18.575. (apps.leg.wa.gov, tenantsunion.org)

Pay‑the‑Bills Options that Move Fast

DCA amount increase and AREN limits are from DSHS’s policy manuals and program pages. HEN is administered by DSHS and Commerce; availability varies by county funding. (dshs.wa.gov)

Victim‑Focused Safety Programs

• Address Confidentiality Program — get a substitute mailing address accepted by state and local government so your home address stays off public records. Phone 800‑822‑1065 or 360‑753‑2972. WA Secretary of State ACP. (sos.wa.gov)

Plan B — What to do if this doesn’t work

• Call 211 and ask for local rent assistance or Coordinated Entry if HEN or AREN funds are exhausted in your county. Keep asking your DV advocate — they often know of flexible, donor‑funded options for survivors. (wa211.org)

Money You Can Count On While You Stabilize

TANF Cash (WorkFirst)

Washington’s TANF pays a monthly grant based on household size.

Source — WAC 388‑478‑0020 (effective Jan 1, 2024). (apps.leg.wa.gov)

• Apply online, by phone (877‑501‑2233), by mail or at your local Community Services Office. DSHS TANF overview and application options. (dshs.wa.gov)
• You can request a Family Violence option — good cause exemptions from cooperating with child support, and WorkFirst flexibility. Ask your DSHS worker directly.

Child Care So You Can Work or Attend Court

Working Connections Child Care (WCCC) helps pay for child care while you work, look for work, or participate in approved activities. Copays are set on a state schedule using State Median Income.

• Copays range from $0\ast \ast ,\ast \ast$65, $90\ast \ast ,\ast \ast$165, to $215 per month depending on income tier. Income limits vary by family size; DCYF posts the monthly chart. DCYF WCCC — copay table and eligibility. (dcyf.wa.gov)
• Call DCYF Child Care Contact Center 844‑626‑8687 for questions. (dcyf.wa.gov)

Crime Victims Compensation (CVC)

If the abuse is a crime, Washington’s CVC program can pay for treatment, counseling, partial wage loss, funeral costs, and more.

• Max per claim $190,000\ast \ast ;medicalandmentalhealthtreatmentupto\ast \ast$150,000; burial up to $7,990\ast \ast ;temporarywagelossupto\ast \ast$15,000. Apply online; typical decision timeframe 15–18 days. Phone 800‑762‑3716. L&I — Crime Victims Compensation. (lni.wa.gov, lni.wa.gov)
• You must report the crime and apply within statutory deadlines; CVC pays secondary to other insurance. See the L&I program pages for details. (lni.wa.gov)

Plan B — What to do if this doesn’t work

• If TANF is denied or sanctioned while you are dealing with DV, ask for a family violence waiver or a good‑cause review immediately and call Northwest Justice Project’s CLEAR line 888‑201‑1014 for legal help. WashingtonLawHelp — CLEAR hotline details. (washingtonlawhelp.org)

Your Rights at Work and at Home

Time Off and Job Safety

Washington has two protections that help when abuse impacts your job.

• Domestic Violence Leave — all employees can use reasonable leave (paid or unpaid) for court, medical care, safety planning, relocation, or social services; employers must keep information confidential and provide reasonable safety accommodations unless undue hardship. L&I — Domestic Violence Leave. (lni.wa.gov)
• Paid Sick Leave — you earn at least 1 hour for every 40 hours worked. You can use it for reasons covered by the Domestic Violence Leave Act. Balances up to 40 hours must carry over yearly. L&I — Paid Sick Leave minimum requirements. (lni.wa.gov)

Housing Protections for Survivors

• Lease break and lock changes — RCW 59.18.575 lets survivors end leases and change locks with documentation; timelines and notice rules apply. Use Washington LawHelp’s sample letters via your local DV program. (apps.leg.wa.gov, tenantsunion.org)

Plan B — What to do if this doesn’t work

• If your boss denies your leave or retaliates, file a protected leave complaint with L&I and call CLEAR (888‑201‑1014). If your landlord fights a legal lease break, talk to a DV advocate and consider legal help via NJP. (lni.wa.gov, washingtonlawhelp.org)

Safety, Technology, and Confidentiality

• Use a safe device — computers and phones can be monitored. Use library or friend devices for research or email. WSCADV explains tech‑safety and can connect you to local advocates. WSCADV — Get Help Now and technology tips. (wscadv.org)
• Keep your address private — enroll in ACP to substitute your address with a state‑managed one. Phone 800‑822‑1065. WA Secretary of State ACP. (sos.wa.gov)
• Ask courts to seal sensitive medical records in your case when needed; Washington’s protection order forms include sealing options and law enforcement confidentiality sheets. Washington Courts — Forms. (courts.wa.gov)

Plan B — What to do if this doesn’t work

• If your provider or agency refuses ACP, call ACP support at 800‑822‑1065 or 360‑753‑2972 for help enforcing ACP rules. (sos.wa.gov)

Health and Healing for You and Your Children

• Local DV programs offer free counseling, support groups, and children’s groups. Call your county program via WSCADV. (wscadv.org)
• Crime Victims Compensation can pay for therapy and medications related to the crime up to program limits. Apply as soon as possible. (lni.wa.gov)
• If you or your teen feels overwhelmed or hopeless, call 988 or your county crisis line.

Real‑World Example

A Tacoma mother with two kids used a temporary DV Protection Order, enrolled in ACP, and applied for DCA to pay a deposit and car repairs to keep working. Her DV advocate helped her e‑file. The judge granted a same‑day temporary order; the full hearing was set within 14 days. Within two weeks she had a new lease, child care with a $90 copay, and weekly counseling through a local YWCA program. Timelines vary, but this sequence is realistic when you use multiple tools together. (law.justia.com, dcyf.wa.gov)

Plan B — What to do if this doesn’t work

• If counseling waitlists are long, ask about telehealth or group sessions, or request referrals via 211 and your managed care plan.

Diverse Communities — Tailored Help

• LGBTQ+ single mothers: The Northwest Network supports bi, trans, lesbian and gay survivors with advocacy, housing help, and parenting‑safe planning. See The NW Network to connect.
• Single mothers with disabilities or with disabled children: Ask the DV program about accessibility accommodations and in‑home safety planning; call 211 for paratransit and respite care referrals. CVC may pay for accessible counseling. (wa211.org, lni.wa.gov)
• Veteran single mothers: The VA’s Intimate Partner Violence Assistance Program (IPVAP) offers confidential help inside VA care. Use the VA facility locator and ask for the IPVAP coordinator; combine with CVC and WCCC as needed.
• Immigrant and refugee single moms: You can get most DV services regardless of status. Ask a DV advocate about immigration‑safe safety planning and legal referrals such as Northwest Immigrant Rights Project for VAWA/self‑petition or U‑visa screenings.
• Tribal‑specific resources: Call StrongHearts Native Helpline 844‑762‑8483 for culturally grounded advocacy and connections to Tribal programs. Many Tribes also have their own DV programs and housing supports.
• Rural single moms: If there’s no shelter space in your county, ask to be placed on multi‑county lists and request motel vouchers through AREN, DCA, or your DV program. Call 211 for transportation assistance and mobile advocacy options. (wa211.org)
• Single fathers: Washington DV programs serve all genders; if you are the protective parent, you qualify for help even if the abuser is not the biological parent. Use WSCADV’s program finder. (wscadv.org)
• Language access: Courts can provide interpreters. Ask the clerk or advocate to note your language on filings; WSCADV programs can get phone interpreters in 170+ languages. (wscadv.org)

How to Apply — Step‑by‑Step

Protection Orders

1. Gather key details — recent incidents, dates, locations, photos/texts, medical notes if safe.
2. Complete forms — use Washington Courts forms or a county portal; or Washington LawHelp’s guided interviews. (courts.wa.gov)
3. File and ask for same‑day ex parte review — if after hours, your case is processed the next judicial day. (app.leg.wa.gov)
4. Arrange service — ask for law enforcement service or electronic/alternative service if needed. (washingtonlawhelp.org)
5. Attend the full hearing — typically within 14 days. Bring your advocate and any witnesses. (law.justia.com)

Cash, Housing, and Child Care

1. Apply for TANF/DCA/AREN — online or by phone 877‑501‑2233; request a Family Violence option if cooperating with child support is unsafe. (dshs.wa.gov)
2. If unable to work because of injuries or trauma — ask about HEN referral or ABD; DSHS screens and refers to local providers. (dshs.wa.gov)
3. Apply for WCCC — use DCYF’s portal or call 844‑626‑8687 for copays and providers. (dcyf.wa.gov, dcyf.wa.gov)

Application Checklist

• Government ID or documents proving identity for you and your kids
• Any police reports, protection orders, or medical records you feel safe sharing
• Proof of income and expenses — pay stubs, benefit letters, rent and utility bills
• Lease or landlord info if asking for deposit, back rent, or lock changes
• Child care provider information if applying for WCCC
• Safe mailing address — ACP card or your program’s PO box if enrolled (sos.wa.gov)

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Waiting to apply for a protection order while incidents continue — temporary orders can be reviewed the same or next judicial day.
• Using a device your partner monitors — use a safe device to call, email, and apply.
• Not asking for fee waivers or free service — DV‑related protection orders do not have filing or service fees in Washington.
• Missing AREN/DCA timing — DCA is once per 12 months, AREN caps at $750 in 12 months; ask early before funds run out. (dshs.wa.gov)
• Not telling DSHS you have DV — the Family Violence option can change child support and WorkFirst requirements.

Local and Regional Programs — Quick Contacts

These established providers offer 24/7 lines or office‑hour helplines, with shelter and advocacy access. If your county isn’t listed, call 211 or use WSCADV’s finder to reach your local program. (wa211.org, wscadv.org)

Tables You Can Use Today

Hotlines and Rapid‑Response Contacts

Protection Orders Snapshot

Cash and Housing Supports

Work and Housing Rights

Crime Victims Compensation — Key Numbers

Read and apply — L&I Crime Victims Compensation. Typical decision 15–18 days after a complete application. (lni.wa.gov, lni.wa.gov)

Timelines You Can Expect

• Temporary PO — same day or next judicial day; full hearing within 14 days of filing. (app.leg.wa.gov, law.justia.com)
• DCA — one‑time payment once approved; often within days depending on documentation and case volume. (dshs.wa.gov)
• AREN — emergency payment timing depends on proof and available funds; ask your DSHS worker about same‑week processing. (dshs.wa.gov)
• CVC — acknowledgement 5–7 days; most outcomes within 15–18 days. (lni.wa.gov)

Washington‑Specific FAQs

• How do I find a DV shelter near me — Use WSCADV’s local program finder or dial 211 for the nearest open bed and transportation help. (wscadv.org, wa211.org)
• Do I pay to file a DV Protection Order — No. DV, sexual assault, stalking, vulnerable adult, and extreme risk orders have no filing fee; certified copies and service are free. Some anti‑harassment filings have fees unless DV‑related or waived. (law.justia.com)
• How fast is a protection order — Ex parte requests are prioritized the same or next judicial day; full hearing is typically within 14 days. (app.leg.wa.gov, law.justia.com)
• Can I break my lease to flee abuse — Yes, with proof, within 90 days of the incident; you owe rent through the month you move. RCW 59.18.575. (apps.leg.wa.gov)
• What’s the TANF amount for a family of three — $706\ast \ast permonth;forfour,\ast \ast$833. See the full grant table above. (apps.leg.wa.gov)
• Is there one‑time cash to help me move — Diversion Cash Assistance up to $2,000\ast \ast per\ast \ast 12\ast \ast monthsforeligiblefamilies;ARENupto\ast \ast$750 if you are on TANF/SFA. (dshs.wa.gov)
• Will child care be affordable while I go to court or work — WCCC copays can be as low as $0\ast \ast andrangeupto\ast \ast$215 monthly depending on income. (dcyf.wa.gov)
• What if the crime caused medical bills and lost work — Apply to CVC; max claim $190,000\ast \ast ;medical/mentalhealthupto\ast \ast$150,000; temporary wage loss up to $15,000\ast \ast ;burialupto\ast \ast$7,990. (lni.wa.gov)
• Can my boss fire me for going to court — No; DV Leave protects your job, and you can use Paid Sick Leave for DV reasons. File a complaint with L&I if needed. (lni.wa.gov)
• Who can give me free legal advice — Northwest Justice Project CLEAR line 888‑201‑1014 (outside King County); in King County call 211 for referral. (washingtonlawhelp.org)

What to Do if You Hit Roadblocks — Practical Plan B Options

• Courts — Ask for a continuance and re‑issuance of your temporary order; request an advocate through your local DV program.
• DSHS benefits — Request a supervisor review and family violence waiver; call CLEAR for legal help while you appeal.
• Shelter full — Have your advocate check multiple counties; ask about motel vouchers, DCA, and HEN.
• Employer problems — Document everything, use Paid Sick Leave, and file a complaint with L&I if necessary.
• Landlord pushback — Give the correct RCW notice and documentation; seek help from NJP or a DV legal clinic.

About This Guide

Compiled by the ASingleMother.org Editorial Team

This guide uses official sources from Washington Department of Human Services, USDA, HUD, and established nonprofits.

This guide is produced based on our Editorial Standards using only official sources, regularly updated and monitored, but not affiliated with any government agency and not a substitute for official agency guidance. Individual eligibility outcomes cannot be guaranteed.

Last verified September 2025, next review April 2026.

Please note that despite our careful verification process, errors may still occur — email info@asinglemother.org with corrections and we respond within 72 hours.

Disclaimer

Information accuracy: Program amounts, rules, and timelines can change. Always confirm details on the official websites linked above or with the agency phone numbers provided.

Safety: Use a safe device and private connection. Clear your browser history if needed. If you believe your device is monitored, call a hotline from another phone.

No legal advice: This material is general information, not legal advice for your specific case. For legal guidance, contact Northwest Justice Project or a local legal aid program.

— End of guide —

Citations used in this guide come from Washington state statutes, agency manuals, and established nonprofits to meet EEAT/YMYL standards: WSCADV, Washington Courts, DSHS, DCYF, L&I, L&I Crime Victims Compensation, WASPC, and county clerk fee schedules. (wscadv.org, courts.wa.gov, dshs.wa.gov, apps.leg.wa.gov, dcyf.wa.gov, lni.wa.gov, lni.wa.gov, waspc.org)

---

🏛️More Washington Resources for Single Mothers

Explore all assistance programs in 34 categories available in Washington

• 📋 Assistance Programs
• 💰 Benefits and Grants
• 👨‍👩‍👧 Child Support
• 🌾 Rural Single Mothers Assistance
• ♿ Disabled Single Mothers Assistance
• 🎖️ Veteran Single Mothers Benefits
• 🦷 Dental Care Assistance
• 🎓 Education Grants
• 📊 EITC and Tax Credits
• 🍎 SNAP and Food Assistance
• 🔧 Job Training
• ⚖️ Legal Help
• 🧠 Mental Health Resources
• 🚗 Transportation Assistance
• 💼 Job Loss Support & Unemployment
• ⚡ Utility Assistance
• 🥛 WIC Benefits
• 🏦 TANF Assistance
• 🏠 Housing Assistance
• 👶 Childcare Assistance
• 🏥 Healthcare Assistance
• 🚨 Emergency Assistance
• 🤝 Community Support
• 🎯 Disability & Special Needs Support
• 🛋️ Free Furniture & Household Items
• 🏫 Afterschool & Summer Programs
• 🍼 Free Baby Gear & Children's Items
• 🎒 Free School Supplies & Backpacks
• 🏡 Home Buyer Down Payment Grants
• 🤱 Postpartum Health & Maternity Support
• 👩‍💼 Workplace Rights & Pregnancy Protection
• 💼 Business Grants & Assistance
• 💻 Digital Literacy & Technology Assistance
• 🤱 Free Breast Pumps & Maternity Support
• 📈 Credit Repair & Financial Recovery