King County employees can now apply for an exemption from disclosures under the Public Records Act if they or their dependents are survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, sexual abuse, stalking, or harassment.

Public employees can seek an exemption from having certain records such as their birthdate, job title, workplace address, work email address, work phone number, and bargaining unit disclosed under the Public Records Act if they or their dependents are survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, sexual abuse, stalking, or harassment. The exemption from public disclosure does not apply to public records requests from the news media as defined in RCW 5.68.010: Protection from compelled disclosure—Exceptions.

Employees may be eligible for this exemption if they:

• Provide the county with proof of participation in the Washington Secretary of State Address Confidentiality Program;
• Provide a sworn statement attesting that they or their dependents are a survivor of domestic violence, sexual assault, sexual abuse, stalking, or harassment, and
• Provide the reasons why they have a reasonable basis to believe that the risk of domestic violence, sexual assault, sexual abuse, stalking, or harassment continues to exist.

Employees should talk with their HR Manager if they are interested in receiving more information about the process to seek this exemption.

Additional resources and information

King County offers employees two programs if they are experiencing life events that may be affecting their work or personal life: the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and Making Life Easier (MLE):

Employee Assistance Program (EAP): The EAP is a service available to all employees. Assessments, brief counseling, and referrals for personal concerns such as family issues, relationship problems, alcohol and drug problems, emotional problems affecting work life, and a wide variety of other challenges are all part of the services.

• HRDEAP@kingcounty.gov
• www.kingcounty.gov/EAP
• 206-263-8733.

Making Life Easier (MLE): Provides counseling, credit and legal consultations, mortgage, and childcare resources, and more to employees and dependents at no cost to the employee.

• www.KCMakingLifeEasier.com
• Username: King County 1-888-874-7290, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

EAP/MLE Resources: King County EAP/MLE Domestic Violence Resource Flyer.

Domestic Violence in the Workplace policy: Offers support to employees who have experienced domestic violence or are at risk of experiencing domestic violence. It reiterates that King County will not tolerate acts of domestic violence in the workplace and encourages employees to seek help from a supervisor, manager, human resources professional, or the EAP to support the employee and help them get the assistance they need.

Additional resources

Address Confidentiality Program: Address Confidentiality Program (ACP) | WA Secretary of State

Domestic Violence Resources (King County employees): Available resources – King County, Washington

Domestic Violence Resources (general public): Domestic violence services – King County, Washington.