Resources and Information for Victims of Sexual Assault

Sexual assault is a crime. The role of the criminal justice system is to hear the voice of victims, investigate the case, and prosecute people accused of crimes. Reporting and prosecution are effective ways of countering sexual assault. When the criminal justice system holds sex offenders accountable for their criminal acts, the community is protected by lowering the chances of sex offenders re-offending.

Obtaining a sexual assault protection order in Clark County.

For free, confidential, community based assistance and filing information contact the YWCA of Clark County Sexual Assault Program: 360-695-0501.

Step 1: Get Protection Order Forms —A victim may obtain free forms from the Superior Court Clerk in the Courthouse, 1200 Franklin Street, Vancouver. Business hours are 8:00 a.m. to noon, 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. The telephone number is 564-397-2292.
Step 2: Complete The Forms—Turn into Court Clerk by 11 a.m. on any week day.
Step 3: Judge’s Signature—Return to the Court Clerk’s Office at the time provided to you for court date and Judge assignment. File the signed forms with the Clerk.
Step 4: Respondent Notified—The Respondent must be served with a copy of the Protection Order and a notice of hearing.
Step 5: Hearing—The hearing will be about two weeks from the time the Judge signs the Temporary Order. Please Read The Court Papers For The Exact Date and Department For The Hearing

Sexual Assault Adult Victim Rights

As a victim or survivor of a crime, Washington state law provides that reasonable efforts be made to ensure the following rights:

To be provided access to medical assistance without unreasonable delay.
To receive protection from harm or threats of harm arising from cooperation with law enforcement and prosecution efforts.
To be provided with a written statement of the rights of crime victims, including the name, address and phone number of a county or local crime victim/witness program if one is available in your area.
To have, whenever practical, a victim advocate present at prosecutorial or defense interviews and at judicial proceedings.
To be informed of changes in court dates to which you have been subpoenaed.
To be provided, whenever practical, with a secure waiting area during court proceedings that does not require you to be in close proximity to defendants and families or friends of defendants.
To be provided with appropriate employer intercession regarding absence from work for court appearances.
To submit a victim impact statement, which shall be included in all pre-sentence reports and permanently included in the offender’s files and records.
To have restitution ordered when there is a felony conviction, even if the offender is incarcerated, unless extraordinary circumstances exist.
To be informed of the final disposition of the case.
To present a statement in person, in writing, via audio/video tape, or by representation, at any hearing conducted regarding an application for pardon or commutation of sentence.

Victim Resources

360-695-0501 YWCA Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence Hotline
360-696-9560 Crisis Hotline (24 Hr. Clark County)
877-846-3492 www.Vinelink.co Release Notification
564-397-2211 Clark County Jail
800-799-7233 National 24-Hour Domestic Violence Hotline
360-695-5313 Volunteer Lawyers Program
564-397-2261 Victim Assistance Clark Co. Prosecuting Atty
360-695-9677 Housing Hotline (Council for the Homeless)
888-373-7888 National Human Trafficking Hotline
800-656-4673 Rape and Incest National Network (RAINN)

Visit the Washington State Crime Victims Compensation page to find out if you qualify for compensation and to access the application.