Each year, the Domestic Violence/Sexual Assault Program of Jefferson County helps more than 475 people transition to safer lives. The private nonprofit corporation is Jefferson County's sole provider of free services to victims of family and sexual violence.

What is domestic violence?

Domestic violence is violent and coercive behavior that occurs in a family setting. The offender may be a spouse, ex-spouse, partner, ex-partner, grandparent, child or sibling. The abuse may be physical, sexual, or psychological—or attacks against property or pets. Domestic violence may consist of repeated, severe beatings or more subtle forms of abuse. It is rarely an isolated occurrence. It happens because one person has a need to have control over another.

Who are victims of domestic violence?

Statistics show that 95% of victims are women, but men are victims too. Children who live in abusive households, even if they are not physically abused, are living in fear and shame. They develop emotional and psychological reactions just as the primary victims do. Some children who grow up in abusive homes learn to use violent behavior as the normal way to solve problems and become abusers themselves.

Are you the victim of domestic violence?

In all relationships, disagreements develop from time to time. Domestic Violence is not a disagreement. Controlling behaviors are not the result of stress, anger, drugs or alcohol. Learned behaviors used to intimidate and manipulate are destructive and dangerous. These behaviors can become more frequent and intense over time. Every year, thousands of women are seriously hurt or killed by their husbands or partners.

How can I stop abuse in my home?

• Seek help from the local Domestic Violence/Sexual Assault Program (DVSA).
• Recognize that the abuse is not your fault.
• Develop a safety plan of action.
• Know your legal rights; a legal advocate at the DVSA Program will help you.
• Believe that you and your children no longer have to be victims.
• Talk in confidence with an advocate. Emotional support will help you regain control over your life.

Our 24-hour crisis line number is 360.385.5291

How can I help a friend?

• If an assault is occurring, call 911 immediately.
• Take time to listen. Believe what your friend says.
• Don't minimize the danger.
• Don't judge or criticize your friend's choices.
• Express concern for your friend's safety.
• Offer help with childcare or transportation.
• Tell your friend that s/he is not alone.
• Give your friend the phone number of the local DVSA program. Offer to drive him or her there.

Facts about Family Violence:

• Victims of domestic violence and sexual assault come from all races, educational backgrounds, socioeconomic groups and religions.
• Battering tends to increase and become more violent over time.
• One in four girls, and one in seven boys, will be sexually abused by age 18.
• There is a correlation between child sexual abuse and teen suicide, substance abuse and eating disorders.
• Many batterers learned violent behavior growing up in an abusive family.
• Six out of 10 couples experience violence at some time in their relationship.