New Data Highlights Urgent Needs Across Our Nation and Washington State

Every year, the National Network to End Domestic Violence conducts a powerful, one-day snapshot of domestic violence services across the country through its Domestic Violence Counts report. The newly released 20th Annual report offers both a moment of reflection and a call to action, revealing the scale of need, the impact of advocacy, and the critical gaps that still exist.

20th DV Counts Report

YWCA Spokane contributed to this important nationwide effort. While the data reflects just a single day, September 10, 2025, it tells a much larger story about what survivors face and what it takes to support safety, healing, and hope.

A Snapshot of Support and Unmet Need

Across the United States, more than 84,000 survivors received life-saving services in just 24 hours. Advocates answered nearly 24,000 hotline contacts and provided hundreds of educational sessions to strengthen prevention efforts in communities nationwide.

And yet, on that same day, over 13,000 requests for help went unmet, most often due to a lack of safe housing options, funding, or staffing. These are not just numbers. They represent individuals and families who reached out for safety and were met with systems stretched beyond capacity.

What This Means in Washington State

Here in Washington, the localized data underscores both the incredible work of advocates and the urgent need for expanded resources.

According to the Washington State summary, in a single day:

• 2,708 survivors received services
• 1,573 individuals found refuge in emergency or transitional housing
• 1,135 people accessed non-residential support like legal advocacy, transportation, and counseling
• 607 hotline contacts were answered, more than 25 per hour
• 354 requests for help went unmet, with approximately 65% related to housing needs

These numbers reflect both the strength of our statewide network and the persistent barriers survivors face, especially when it comes to safe, stable housing.

The Washington state summary also includes a story from an advocate describing a survivor who fled life-threatening violence with her children. As she sat in a safe space, watching her children play, she shared her hope: that her children would remember peace instead of fear.

WA St Summary

Why Funding Matters

Every data point represents someone making an incredibly difficult decision to seek safety. It also reflects advocates working tirelessly to meet survivors with care, dignity, and support.

The full report highlights a sobering reality: if federal funding for domestic violence programs were cut significantly, more than half of programs could close within six months.

Programs like ours rely on critical funding streams such as the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA), the Family Violence Prevention and Services Act (FVPSA), and the Victims of Crime Act (VOCA). These investments make it possible to provide emergency shelter, legal advocacy, prevention education, and so much more.

Without sustained and increased funding, the gap between those who need help and those who receive it will continue to grow.

Moving Forward, Together

At YWCA Spokane, we remain deeply committed to ensuring that survivors in our community have access to safety, support, and pathways to healing. We also know that we cannot do this work alone.

This report is both a testament to what is possible and a reminder of what is still needed. 

We invite you to:

• Learn more about the realities facing survivors: Mission Moment blog series
• Advocate for sustained and increased funding for victim services: Advocate for Change
• Support local organizations working to prevent and respond to domestic violence: Give Today

This report makes one thing clear. The need is constant and so must be our commitment. Together, we can build a future where every survivor who reaches out is met with the support they deserve.

Thank you for joining us in this work!