Did You Know?
Washington’s Protection Order statute defines domestic violence as: physical harm, threats, sexual assault, stalking, harassment, and coercive control—committed by an intimate partner or a family or household member.
Overview
The Domestic Violence Civil Legal Aid program funds critical civil legal services for survivors of domestic violence across Washington State. These services include assistance with protection orders, family law matters, immigration issues, and other civil legal needs that arise from or relate to domestic violence. Services are delivered through a statewide network of legal aid organizations.
Dedicated Support for Native American and Tribal Communities
Native American individuals experience domestic violence at significantly higher rates than other populations. In recognition of this disparity, the Office of Civil Legal Aid (OCLA) commits a minimum of 20% of program funding to tribal governments that provide civil legal aid to their members. This ensures culturally competent and community-based legal support for Native survivors, especially those living on or near reservations.
Program History
The Washington State Legislature appropriated $2 million in funding per year beginning in fiscal year (FY) 2023 to expand civil legal aid services for survivors of domestic violence, including legal services for protection order proceedings, family cases, immigration assistance, and other civil legal issues arising from or related to the domestic violence they experienced. The funding addressed a significant need for free legal services among domestic violence survivors, enhancing their access to essential support.
With this funding, the Office of Civil Legal Aid (OCLA) entered into three-year contracts with seven civil legal aid organizations across Washington State. Twenty percent of this funding was set aside specifically for services to Native American and tribal survivors living on or near rural reservations. Beginning in FY 2026, OCLA will begin its second round of three-year contracts to provide these services.
Who We Fund
Coming soon
Impact
In just the first two years, over 2,000 survivors of domestic violence received essential legal services, positively affecting more than 6,000 individuals, including children and other family members.
Beyond direct representation, the program also fostered systemic improvements:
- Attorneys provided technical support to cross-system partners, contributing expertise in complex or precedent-setting cases.
- Legal aid providers trained advocacy groups to recognize legal issues and created strong, client-centered referral networks.
News & Reports
OCLA DV Program Impact Report FY 23-24
FY 23-25 Summary Coming Soon!