We Believe Survivors

At YWCA Spokane, We Believe Survivors

Spokane, WA – On Thursday, April 8, 2021, The Inlander published the following article by Wilson Criscione, “Law Enforcement Behind The Badge”, available online at The Inlander.

As Spokane’s primary service provider to victims of intimate partner domestic violence, YWCA Spokane would like to release the following public statement in response to this recent news:

We Believe Survivors. 

We are here to listen, without judgment. You are never responsible for someone else’s behavior. We understand there is no textbook abuser or situation of domestic violence; abusers come in all shapes and sizes and abuse can be physical, emotional, psychological, sexual, financial, and spiritual, or all of the above.

An abuser may often be very skilled at covering up abuse, at making you feel like the responsible person, or at making you feel ashamed or inadequate. They may coerce you into believing that if you come forward you would never be believed because of their position in the community. We want you to know that violence is never acceptable and we believe survivors. There is no excuse for abusive behavior, not alcohol or drugs, financial pressure, depression, jealousy or any other reason.

If you know your abuser is someone popular or powerful in the community, or someone who doesn’t fit a traditional profile of what people might think an abuser is, we want you to know we are here for you; to listen, to safety plan, to provide safe and confidential resources. We will never share your information, even within our organization or with people who work with our agency, unless you ask us to or give explicit permission to do so. We want you to know that you are not alone.

YWCA Spokane Is Here For You.

YWCA Spokane is here to help victims of intimate partner violence and allies, 365 days a year. YWCA Spokane’s 24hr free and confidential helpline is available at 509-326-CALL (2255) or you can email help@ywcaspokane.org or text 509-220-3725. You can also call 800.799.SAFE (7233) to reach the National Domestic Violence Hotline or visit thehotline.org.

Domestic Violence is a pattern of controlling behavior used to maintain power in a relationship by one partner over the other. While each case is unique, abusers use a range of abusive behavior to control their partners. Often, it is difficult to identify various forms of abuse, particularly when they are indirect or not as obvious as physical or sexual violence. Learn more about how to help a loved one who is in an abusive relationship and use the Power and Control Wheel to learn about the main forms of domestic violence.

Jeanette Hauck, CEO of YWCA Spokane
Laura McAloon, Board Chair of YWCA Spokane

About YWCA Spokane

For 118 years, YWCA Spokane has been helping women, children, and families overcome social, economic, and personal barriers in order to accomplish their goals and achieve healthier and more fulfilling lives.

Today, areas of focus include supporting victims of intimate partner domestic violence, promoting early childhood education, and confronting racial and social justice issues that negatively impact our clients and our community.

In 2020, we served over 16,500 women, men, children, and families. Services include a continuum of wrap-around support: 24-hour Helpline and Safe Shelter, Counseling Center, Mental Health Services, Child Advocacy, Civil Legal Assistance, Legal Advocacy, and Economic Empowerment Advocacy. YWCA’s Early Childhood Education and Assistance Program (ECEAP) provides 3- and 4-year-old children with the social and learning skills necessary for successful entry into kindergarten.

By working at the intersections of inequality, poverty, and domestic violence, YWCA Spokane is able to disrupt longstanding societal patterns of trauma. To learn more visit ywcaspokane.org.

YWCA Spokane Media Contact
Erica Schreiber
Director of Communications
ericas@ywcaspokane.org
509-789-9305