Sexual assault advocates, as defined in RCW 5.60.060, shall be allowed to accompany the victim and confer with the victim, unless otherwise directed by the court. Court administrators shall allow sexual assault advocates to assist victims of nonconsensual sexual conduct or nonconsensual sexual penetration in the preparation of petitions for sexual assault protection orders. Sexual assault advocates are not engaged in the unauthorized practice of law when providing assistance of the types specified in this section. Communications between the petitioner and a sexual assault advocate are protected as provided by RCW 5.60.060.
[ 2006 c 138 § 7.]