Domestic Violence
Each year, Domestic Violence Action Month (DVAM) provides an opportunity to raise awareness in Spokane about the realities of relationship violence and to spark action toward building a community free from abuse.
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Blaming the victim of domestic violence often happens unintentionally, but can be incredibly harmful. Learn the impact and how to better support survivors.
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When Teresa Dixon first began facilitating The Thread writing workshop, she wanted to create a space where survivors of domestic violence could explore their stories through creativity rather than through testimony. “Writing offers another way. It allows survivors to express themselves, to be heard and acknowledged without the added vulnerability…
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Safety is a foundation every survivor deserves. While leaving can be the first step toward safety, securing legal protections can help survivors keep themselves and their children safe from continued harm. In Spokane, pursuing a Domestic Violence Protection Order (DVPO) can be a confusing, intimidating, and daunting process to navigate,…
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Safe housing is harder than ever to find for survivors. Learn how YWCA Spokane is adapting to a changing landscape to keep families safe.
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As part of MMIW Awareness Month, honoring the lives of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls, we are taking a look at MMIW & domestic violence.
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At YWCA Spokane, our commitment to empowering survivors and creating a safer community is brought to life through the work of the Spokane Regional Domestic Violence Task Force. This dynamic coalition brings together YWCA Spokane legal advocates, the Spokane Police Department’s Domestic Violence Unit, county law enforcement, and city and…
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Healing Together For families who have experienced domestic violence, therapeutic support can provide some relief from experiences of stress, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). YWCA Spokane offers a specialized therapy program for youth 7-18 years old who have second hand experience with domestic violence in their household. The program…
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A Month of Awareness Throughout October, more than 40 banners were spread across downtown busy streets and key landmarks lit up purple in honor of survivors. Unquenchable Hope was proudly displayed as part of DVAM and National Arts & Humanity Month. Over 100 individuals received education and training about YWCA Services,…
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Social Support “Domestic violence can be so isolating,” states Alondra, YWCA Support Group facilitator. “We found that providing a space for survivors to share stories and promote healing is a great way to bridge the gap from isolation to connection and support.” YWCA Spokane offers support groups for female-identifying survivors…
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In advance of Pathways Forward conversation on October 23rd, this blog focuses on the barriers survivors face in reporting domestic violence to law enforcement. Key challenges include fear of retaliation, lack of trust in police, privacy concerns, mandatory arrest policies, socioeconomic factors, and insufficient resources. Understanding these barriers is essential for improving support systems and ensuring survivor safety.
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What is CSO Advocacy? For some survivors of domestic violence, the Department of Social Health Services (DSHS) is their first stop while trying to find support for their situation. “It can be hard to navigate these systems for a lot of clients,” says M.E. Martin, YWCA Spokane CSO Advocate. “Many…
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The Complexities of Domestic Violence Protection Orders Domestic Violence Protection Orders (DVPOs) are legal tools designed to offer safety to individuals experiencing domestic violence. While the intention is to offer protection, the legal process can leave survivors feeling disheartened and vulnerable. Understanding these challenges is crucial for anyone navigating the…
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Understanding the Issue In recent years, efforts to address domestic violence have increasingly focused on a critical aspect of safety: removing firearms from perpetrators. The presence of a firearm in a domestic violence situation increases the risk of homicide for women by 500%. On June 21, 2024, the Supreme Court…
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Custom Jewelry Made by Women at YWCA will be sold in our Lobby May 2nd & 3rd to benefit our Safe Shelter What: Hope Stones Mother’s Day Jewelry Sale – find the perfect Mother’s Day gift for the mothers in your life. When: May 2nd & 3rd from 9:00am –…
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About YWCA Spokane’s Safe Shelter is an emergency shelter service for survivors in the Spokane and surrounding area who are fleeing imminent danger from abusive intimate partners. In 2023, our Safe Shelter served 130 adults and 118 dependents. Additionally, 85 adults and 95 dependents were accommodated with a hotel room.…
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About Mobile Housing Advocacy Everyone deserves safe and stable housing. The housing system is a complex and confusing process with resources and options that are always changing. YWCA Spokane Mobile Housing Advocates are a truly mobile team and meet clients out in the community. They help survivors of intimate partner…
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About DV Support Advocacy YWCA Spokane’s Domestic Violence Support Advocacy creates a welcoming and nonjudgmental space for survivors to unpack the complexities of their situation and feel heard. Through the intake process, Support Advocates listen to what the survivor’s current needs are and offer options. A component of this first…
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Fostering Community at YWCA Safe Shelter It would be hard to talk about YWCA Spokane’s Safe Shelter without talking to Melanie Wilson, Shelter Resource Coordinator, who has been with the agency for over 22 years. When Melanie first started with the agency, she was providing childcare at the shelter. She…
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About Our Therapy At YWCA Spokane, our Mental Health Therapy program specializes in short-term, trauma processing forms of therapy. “There are different types of therapies for different types of situations,” explains Melva Moore, Director of Mental Health Services, “But what we do best is focus on helping people process their…
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