My heart breaks for my dear friend who is living in constant fear because her address has been publicly shared by a man with five charges involving her. Despite a criminal no contact order, the law allowed this terrifying breach of privacy because he didn’t explicitly name her, and it’s not technically illegal in Washington.

This personal and urgent issue needs immediate attention to prevent any further distress and potential danger to those involved in similar situations. Individuals with no contact and protection orders should feel secure knowing that their safety is respected by the law in its entirety. Unfortunately, the current legislation in Washington does not adequately protect these vulnerable individuals from having their private information weaponized against them.

By making it illegal for restrained individuals to share any private contact information publicly—such as addresses and phone numbers—regardless of whether they explicitly name the person, we can significantly enhance the protection afforded to those at risk. This adjustment would ensure that people under these critical orders are not left exposed and susceptible to intimidation or harm.

In Washington, a state progressive in social protection, this should be a non-negotiable right. Statistics show that breaches of protection orders can escalate into dangerous situations. According to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, nearly 20 people per minute are physically abused by an intimate partner in the United States. Adding a legislative measure to criminalize the dissemination of protected individuals’ information can save countless lives from potential violence and persistent anxiety.

We call on the Washington State Legislature to take swift action to amend and strengthen the current laws surrounding no contact and protection orders. Let’s make our communities safer and preserve the dignity and safety of individuals like my friend who are seeking peace and protection.

Please join us in fostering a safer Washington by signing this petition and urging our legislators to enforce these necessary legal protections. Your signature is a step towards a future where all citizens can live without fear of their private information becoming public bait.