Stop Doxing

Washington

Official Washington programs that can help protect your privacy, and where to find legal help. Each program decides who qualifies, so check its page for the details.

New to this? Start with what doxing is.

Keep your home address private

Washington's Address Confidentiality Program, run by the Secretary of State, gives participants a substitute address to use with state and local government agencies. It forwards first-class mail, including registered and certified mail. It does not forward packages or magazines.1

  • State and local government agencies must accept the substitute address, with very few exceptions. Private businesses and federal agencies don't have to, but they may work with you if you ask.1
  • It is for people who live in Washington and are adult survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, or trafficking and fear for their safety. A parent or guardian can apply for a minor or incapacitated person who is a survivor. Some criminal justice affiliates, election officials, and protected health care workers who are targeted for threats or harassment can also apply.2
  • The program works best if you have recently moved or plan to move.2
  • You apply by meeting with an advocate called an Application Assistant, who helps with a safety plan and the application.1
  • The program is not a crisis center. It does not give shelter, relocation money, or legal advice.1

Go to the Address Confidentiality Program (sos.wa.gov)

Help for victims of crime

The Crime Victims Compensation Program, part of the Department of Labor & Industries, may help eligible victims of crime in Washington with certain costs, such as medical and mental health treatment. The program decides who qualifies.3

Go to Crime Victims Compensation (lni.wa.gov)

Find a lawyer

This site does not give legal advice. For advice about your situation, talk to a licensed Washington lawyer.

  • The Washington State Bar Association does not refer people to private lawyers itself. It lists county bar associations that run lawyer referral services.4
  • If you have a low income, you may be able to get free legal help. The State Bar points people to CLEAR, a free legal help line for people with low incomes, and to WashingtonLawHelp.org, which has free legal information and forms.4

Find a lawyer referral service (wsba.org)

Find free legal aid (washingtonlawhelp.org)

Last checked:

Sources

  1. Washington Secretary of State. "Address Confidentiality Program (ACP)." sos.wa.gov
  2. Washington Secretary of State. "Do I Qualify?" (Address Confidentiality Program) sos.wa.gov
  3. Washington State Department of Labor & Industries. "Who Can File and What is Covered" (Crime Victims Compensation). lni.wa.gov
  4. Washington State Bar Association. "Find Legal Help." wsba.org