DOMESTIC VIOLENCE CENTER OF GRAYS HARBOR
SERVICES
Domestic violence can happen to anyone anywhere, at any time. Often people feel guilty and think they could have prevented the violence. Sometimes people think that no one is experiencing violence in the home like they are. No one deserves to be abused.
All services at the Domestic Violence Center are free of charge and confidential.
Support Groups
These groups are “open” – meaning any client can join at any time. Please contact us at (360) 538-0733 for more information. Our group meets:
Wednesday, 10:00am – 11:00am and @ the Domestic Violence Center office at 2306 Sumner Ave, Hoquiam.
Volunteering
If you are interested in volunteering at the Domestic Violence Center of Grays Harbor Program, please contact our Executive Director at (360) 538-0733.
Services Provided Free Of Charge
All services at the Domestic Violence Center are free of charge and confidential.
For Questions or Contact
If you need any services, or have questions about the services we provide, please contact our Local 24 Hr. Phone Line:
360-538-0733.
Some of the services we can offer for victims/survivors of domestic violence include:
Advocacy
Our advocates are here for survivors, to listen to them, and to support them as they make those decisions which are right for them. We believe that everyone can make their own best decisions. Our role as advocates is to support people in the process of decision-making. Our goal is to empower each person to feel confident as they move forward with their decisions and to meet their goals.
Advocacy is defined by Washington State Administrative Code 388-61A-0220:
“Advocacy” means working with advocate focusing on safety planning, empowerment, and education, while supporting autonomy and self-determination. Advocacy is survivor-centered and uses nonvictim blaming methods that include:
Identifying barriers to, and strategies to enhance, safety, including safety planning.
Clarifying and increasing awareness of the power and control associated with domestic violence and the options one may have to obtain resources while staying safe.
Supporting independent decision-making based on the unique needs and circumstances of each individual.
Legal Advocacy
The Legal advocate provides support, safety planning and advocacy for clients as they navigate the legal system as related to the issue of domestic violence. The legal advocate can help obtain the paperwork for court orders, explain the process, and even attend court hearings with the survivor. Referrals are made to other service providers when any legal advice is needed. Advocates cannot provide legal advice.
System Advocacy
Often, people who’ve experienced domestic violence, sexual assault, or who’ve been the victim of other crimes, are involved with many social service agencies. An advocate can help them work with these systems. We know that it can be difficult to keep everything in life moving smoothly when you’ve been impacted by violence. If they would like help talking with a landlord, school officials, DSHS, the courts, or others, they are encouraged to talk with an advocate. Advocates can help address concerns, and make sure that their voice is heard.
Personal Advocacy
Survivors are capable people. They know what is best for them, and an advocate is here to encourage them in whatever way possible. Sometimes it just takes time and support to decide what needs to be done for the survivor, and how moving forward will look like. Decisions can be difficult, and we offer non-biased assistance free from judgement.
Safety Planning
Violence takes many forms, including physical, financial, or emotional abuse just to name a few. Talking to an advocate developing a safety plan that will work for the survivor and their unique situation. The safety plan is all about finding ways that will increase safety for the survivor.
Prevention
Change begins with learning. Wouldn’t it be nice if no one ever experienced personal violence? We all hope for a world free from violence, so how can we work together to make sure that happens? Prevention can be defined as assisting people to avoid a first-time assault, so that they are never victimized. We can provide information and education to youth groups, and parents. Our goal is to provide information to increase awareness in prevention, and to build skills within our community. Another portion of our work is known simply as Social Change. Social Change projects are designed to work with a specific group of people to address their unique needs and help them develop a prevention program that will reduce personal violence in their community.
Shelter
We have a short-term emergency shelter. A lack of affordable housing is a leading barrier to leaving a violent relationship. Fleeing domestic violence is difficult. Having a safe place to go and begin to sort things out can be helpful. We understand. We have a temporary emergency shelter available to those with or without children who are leaving intimate partner domestic violence. We understand that some people may decide to leave their situation permanently, and others are looking for a break from the situation and may return home. While in shelter, we try to meet basic needs. Household items are available; the shelter is furnished with everything the survivors should need. We have a clothing closet, personal items, food, and laundry facilities. The shelter is meant to meet emergency needs, and if they are seeking permanent housing, advocates can work with them to locate safe and affordable housing. Survivors can find more information, by contacting us the Domestic Violence Center of Grays Harbor 24 hours a day on our Crisis Line: (360) 538-0733.
Work First Advocate
The Domestic Violence Center has an advocate that is dedicated to working with survivors who are referred by their case workers through the Department of Social and Health Services. They assist with survivors in overcoming their barriers to employment due to domestic violence. All advocates strive to lessen violence in our community, and our world.
