Frequently Asked Questions
Does the YWCA Spokane safe shelter only serve women?
YWCA proudly services all people regardless of identified gender. Our safe shelter services people who identify as women but we do have accommodations for men or people who identify as male. Please reach out to us and let us know if you have any special accommodations needed. Our services do not discriminate based on citizenship status, and refugees and undocumented immigrants are welcome to our services as well. We welcome women of all sexualities, religions, socioeconomic statuses, racial and ethnic backgrounds, and ages.
Is there is a cost for services?
No. All services are made available at no cost to clients. However, our mental health therapy will charge insurance if available and only if it is safe for the survivor to do so.
Does YWCA Spokane serve perpetrators of domestic violence?
No, due to grant restrictions we can only provide services to victims and survivors of intimate partner violence. If you are needing resources for perpetrators, please feel free to call 211 for local resources or you can call our front desk 509-789-9297.
I’m in need of housing resources, how can the YWCA help me?
We have different services available to help victims/survivors navigate the housing system, provide housing referrals and resources and help a survivor discuss their safe housing options. Our housing advocates are available through our 24-hour hotline to assist victims/survivors with their various housing needs.
Please call our 24-hour hotline (509-326-2255) for more information.
What is domestic violence?
Domestic violence is a pattern of behavior in which one person establishes and maintains power and control over another person. Abuse can be physical, mental, emotional, sexual, financial, spiritual, and/or cultural abuse. Victims or perpetrators can be men, women, or people who identify as nonbinary. Often, it is difficult to identify various forms of abuse, particularly when they are indirect or not as obvious as physical and/or sexual violence. YWCA Power and Control Wheel diagram is a particularly helpful tool in understanding the overall pattern of abusive and violent behaviors which are used to establish and maintain control over a partner.
How can men help end domestic violence?
Men can help end domestic violence by learning about and by participating in conversations with their children, loved ones and peer groups on healthy relationships. You can contact the YWCA for more information on hosting a training for your employer and watch Dr. Jackson Katz’s TED Talk for more information on engaging men in the anti-violence movement.
How do I get a protection order?
We have legal advocates here at the YWCA who can help survivors fill out and complete an order of protection. We can also provide support at follow up court hearings and assist survivors with safety planning around the order of protection. In certain cases, our staff attorneys can provide representation at protection order hearings.
Please call our front desk (509-326-1190) or legal advocate general line (509-477-3656, option #1) for more information.
How do I get into the therapy program?
YWCA Spokane proudly offers mental health therapy to survivors of intimate partner domestic violence and their children. We encourage all survivors to meet with our domestic violence support advocates first to address basic safety and stability needs and can then place a referral into the mental health program. After a referral is made, a therapist will follow up within 3-4 weeks of the referral. The domestic violence support advocates have walk-in hours as well as appointment times to schedule appointments.
Please call our Domestic Violence Service Center (509-789-9297) for more information.
What is an advocate's role?
An advocate's role at YWCA Spokane is to provide emotional support, safety planning and resource referrals to survivors of intimate partner domestic violence. Advocates provide education regarding the dynamics of domestic violence and also healthy relationships. Advocates provide a non-judgmental safe space for clients to talk about what’s going on and help find safe options. Advocates are mandated reporters of child abuse and neglect as well as threats of suicide and threats to harm others.
Can I access services if I have experienced emotional abuse or controlling behaviors, but not physical abuse?
Yes, our services are available to all survivors of intimate partner domestic violence regardless of the type of violence a survivor has experienced. Each survivor has their own unique experiences and their own unique set of options. Give our helpline a call (509-326-2255) or call our front desk at 509-326-1190 to schedule time to speak with an advocate. We’re here to help.
Do you offer Family Law assistance?
Yes. Our team of staff attorneys and paralegal is here to assist survivors of intimate partner violence with a range of free family law services from legal advice to full court representation.