Are you a service provider, social worker, or therapist?  Do you work with people affected by domestic violence and sexual assault?  This two-day training is designed to help you more effectively work with victims of domestic violence and sexual assault.  Participants will learn the dynamics of abuse, effects of trauma, and common coping mechanisms.  The training will also cover safety planning, communication techniques, tools for empowering clients.

Working with Victims of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault: Training for service providers, social workers, and therapists

Date: July 11-12, 2012

Time: 9:00am-4:00pm

Location: St. Luke's Education Center

Cost: $100.00 (lunch included)

Registration Deadline: July 1, 2012

Register online now or call 360.671.5714.

April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month and Whatcom County organizations are hosting a variety of events.  Hope to see you at one of them!

Download the Sexual Assault Awareness Month Calendar here.

Lummi Victims of Crime Presents:
April 10-12: Reclaiming Our Identities Conference
Brad Marsden will be presenting an exercise called “circle in a box” that will build awareness on
the intergenerational effect of violence that has been passed on from childhood, elders, women, and men. The most important thing he will offer is how we can change it! We wil l also be having Women Spirit presenting this year on teen dating violence and the effects of child abuse & sexual assault during parenting.  Lummi Victims of Crime is fortunate to be able to offer a conference that will build skills for many individuals, including employees of LIBC, community members, Lummi Nation students, surrounding Tribal communities, and other organizations that are interested in domestic violence and s exual assault. The conference will take place April10-12 from 9am—2pm each day at Wexliem, Lummi’s Community Building, 2100 Lummi View Dr.

Planned Parenthood Presents:
April 12: Trivia Night
Come to the YWCA (1026 North Forest St. Bellingham, WA 98225) from 8-9:30pm for an evening of all-ages trivia including snacks and prizes! Topics will include: healthy relationships, condoms, reproductive anatomy, famous couples, etc.! This event is hosted by Plan ned Parenthood’s TASK Force (Teen Advocates for Sexual Health Knowledge). For questions check out the TASK Facebook page or call Molly at 360.603.7719.

Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Services of Whatcom County (DVSAS) Presents:
April 13: Victory Over Violence
On Friday, April 13, Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Services of Whatcom County (DVSAS) will be hosting the annual Victo ry Over Violence Luncheon.  The luncheon celebrates survivors' victories over violence and supports DVSAS' essential crisis intervention services and prevention programs. This year, we are pleased to host a variety of speakers including Mayor Kelli Linville, Deputy Chief Flo Simon, Sexual Assault Nurse Ex- aminer Kathie Hardy, and a story of strength from a DVSAS client. Northwood Hall, buffet luncheon 11:30am-12pm, program 12-1pm.  Free to attend, donations requested. Visit www.dvsas.org for more information and to register.

April 28: Walk a Mile in Her Shoes
Men of all ages will literally walk one mile in women's shoes to increase awareness about domestic violence and sexual assault and raise money for Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Services of Whatcom County.  March begins at Maritime Heritage Park  at 11am and ends at Boundary Bay Brewery for an all-ages community celebration (1-4pm).   To join the march or for more information, contact (360)671-5714 or visit www.dvsas.org.

Brigid Collins Presents:
April 5, 10, 19, and 17: Stewards of Children
Darkness to Light’s Stewards of Children™ is a revolutionary sexual abuse prevention training
program that educates adults to prevent, recognize, and react responsibly to child sexual abuse. Join us at Brigid Collins in Bellingham April 5 (Spanish) and April 19 (English) 5:30-7:30pm and Skagit April 10 (English), and April 17 (Spanish). Cost is $10 for workbook.  For more information, call Dana at (360) 734-4616.

Western Washington University (WWU) Presents:
April 25-29 : Western Women's Festival
Western Women's Festival (WWF) is an annual time to celebrate and honor all survivors of violence and all that women are.   All events are held on WWU's campus and are open to all community members. For more information, contact Devlin O’Donnell at (360)650-7982 or email
.

Monday, April 23rd, 7pm, Academic West 205: Girl Hate, a Media Analysis
Why are we seeing more and more women fighting each other and putting each other down? Come explore pop culture’s version of “girl hate.”

Wednesday, April 25th, 11am-2pm, Red Square: Tabling, Button Making for Sexual Assault Awareness Month
Come make free buttons and get some great SAAM swag! Need we say more?

Thursday, April 26th, 7pm, VU Multi-Purpose Room: Story of A Rape Survivor (SOARS) Performance
An award winning multimedia performance that entertains as well as educates the audience about sexual assault prevention. SOA RS is a cutting-edge theatrical experience that stars a diverse cast.

Think YOU have what it talks to walk a mile in her shoes?  The Walk a Mile in Her Shoes Men's March, hosted by DVSAS and Western Men Against Violence, asks men to literally walk one mile in women's high-heeled shoes to bring attention to something that can be difficult to talk about: violence against women.  Show your support for ending violence, raise money for Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Services (DVSAS), and be a part of the fun!

How to Walk the Walk

When and Where: Saturday, April 28.   Registration begins at Maritime Heritage Park at 10am, pre-march rally at 11am.

An all-ages, post-march celebration is at Boundary Bay Beer Garden, 1-4pm with music, raffles, food, drinks and more.  Marchers and non-marchers welcome!

Teams: Go solo or start a team! Teams are usually four or more people who can help one another raise money for DVSAS. 

Pledges: Participants are encouraged to obtain pledges to support DVSAS. Participants who donate or raise $50 or more will receive a Walk a Mile in Her Shoes t-shirt.  Prizes will be given to teams that raise the most funds!  Bring pledges and pledge form to the event.  Checks should be made out to DVSAS.  For teams: Each individual should fill out a registration form with the team name. Write team name on the pledge form as well.  Click here to download a pledge form.

More questions?  See our FAQ section.

Want to participate?  Sign up now! 

Enjoy a day of golf at Bellingham Golf and Country Club on July 26, 2012! 

Join us beginning at 11:45am for registration, putting contest, and a light lunch.  Shotgun is at 1:00pm and the tournament will be followed by dinner, draw prizes, and awards.  Teams are comprised of four players and will play in the Recreational (Scramble), Competitive (Best Ball), or Ladies Division (Scramble).  Teams are $500 ($125/player) or $600 for a corporate team with promotional benefits.

Enter the raffle for your chance to win a cruise from Exit Realty, golf merchandise, restaurant gift certificates, and more! 

Register a 4-person team

Register as an individual player

Donate an item to our raffle.  Complete the form here!

Register now!

Get your running season started or just enjoy a nice walk at the Haulin' Axe 5K Run/2-Mile Walk hosted by Whatcom County Fire District 4 Assocation!  The run will benefit DVSAS and the Whatcom County Search and Rescue Council.

The course begins at the Barkley Haggen gazebo and ends at Bloedel Donovan Park following the Railroad Trail. There is a gradual incline, but it is a very beautiful course. A shuttle is available for getting back to Barkley Haggen. Last year, there were over 95 door prizes to give away to participants, and even more are expected this year!

Date: Sunday, May 20, 2012

Time: 9:30am

Starting point: Barkley Haggen

Ending point: Bloedel Donovan Park (shuttle available for return trip)

Registration Fee: $25 before May, $35 May 1-day of race

All proceeds benefit DVSAS and the Whatcom County Search and Rescue Council.

Register now!

Nomination Process: The Kathleen Marshall Award will be awarded to an outstanding individual who has made significant contributions in addressing the problem of domestic violence and/or sexual assault in Whatcom County.  The recipient will have performed above and beyond their expectations and can be a community member employed in any field, including social services, legal, law enforcement, medical, or education.  Nominees may not be directly affiliated with DVSAS as a current staff member, board member, or volunteer.  Deadline for nominations is Monday, March 12.

Submit your nomination online or download a PDF version.

The DVSAS Board of Directors will review nominations and select an award recipient.  The Kathleen Marshall Award will be presented to the award recipient at the Victory over Violence Luncheon on Friday, April 13.

RSVP Now!

Join over 200 guests at the annual Victory Over Violence Luncheon on Friday, April 13!  The luncheon celebrates survivors' victories over violence and supports DVSAS' essential crisis intervention services and prevention programs.

This year, we are pleased to host a variety of speakers including Mayor Kelli Linville, Deputy Chief Flo Simon, Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner Kathie Hardy, and a story of strength from a DVSAS client.

Friday, April 13, 2012

Northwood Hall

11:30am-12:00pm: Buffet Luncheon

12:00-1:15pm: Program

Free of charge, Donation will be requested

Buffet lunch provided

RSVP now or call (360)671-5714 to reserve a seat.

Our generous sponsors include:

Event sponsorships are still available.  See our sponsorship options now! 

Denim Day originated as a global response to a controversial Italian court ruling in 1999, when the Justices overturned a rape conviction because the victim was wearing jeans. The justices stated that since removing jeans, “...is impossible if the victim is struggling with all her might,” the victim must have assisted the attacker in removing her jeans, which they felt implied consent. 1999 may be over a decade ago, but these victim blaming sentiments are still pervasive today.  Just two years ago in 2010, a judge issued no jail time to a convicted rapist based upon the victim’s makeup and clothing at the time of the assault which put a “sexual suggestion” in the air.  Denim Day began as a heated response to the 1999 verdict but has evolved into an internationally celebrated day to honor sexual assault survivors and bring awareness to sexual violence.

This year's Denim Day will be held on Friday, April 20 and we need YOU to help create a dynamic poster design!

Guidelines for Submission:

1. Don't submit collages or posters that mimic existing campaigns (e.g. Nike Just do it.) or use images of celebrities, models or others who have not granted you permission to use their image.
2. Don't include three-dimensional elements that cannot be reproduced on paper.
3. Don't mount, frame or laminate your entry.
4. Don't submit entries larger than 11" x 17".
5. Do include the information “Denim Day April 20, 2012” and “www.dvsas.org” on your poster.
6. Do submit electronic submissions to or send/deliver hard copies to 1407 Commercial St. Bellingham, WA 98225.
7. Do send multiple entries all in one envelope or package.
8. Do submit only original artwork.  Original signed release forms are required for copyrighted images or materials. Release forms are also needed for "subjects," whether public or private citizens.
9. Do go to DVSAS’s facebook page to vote for your favorite poster design.

Deadline: Friday, February 24, 2012

"Like" your favorite submissions on Facebook.The winner will receive a prize donated by a local Whatcom County business. Good luck!

It's not too late--the calendars flip to 2012 in just four days, but you still have time to give a gift this year.

2011 has been very busy.  When jobs are scarce and money is tight, victims have more obstacles to leaving abusive relationships, creating more dangerous situations.  These victims often rely on free programs (like ours) for support.

Since January 1, we have responded to the emergency room 34 times to support a rape victim during a forensic exam.  Overall, we've spent 10,507 hours working with victims through our programs.

But there is still more work to be done.

With your support, we can help people who have experienced life-altering trauma to sort through painful feelings, reach safety, and regain hope.

If you were thinking of waiting to make a donation, please reconsider.  By making a donation now, you will help us to better plan for the coming year and ensure that our services remain available to victims needing help, free of charge.

Please donate today; you can easily give a gift online at www.dvsas.org/pages/Make-A-Donation.

Thank you for your support and kindness as we enter the new year.

With appreciation,

Jenn Mason

Development and Education Director

Are you a service provider, social worker, or therapist?  Do you work with people affected by domestic violence and sexual assault?  This two-day training is designed to help you more effectively work with victims of domestic violence and sexual assault.  Participants will learn the dynamics of abuse, effects of trauma, and common coping mechanisms.  The training will also cover safety planning, communication techniques, tools for empowering clients.

Working with Victims of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault: Training for service providers, social workers, and therapists

Date: November 14 and 15, 2011

Time: 9:00am-4:00pm

Location: St. Luke's Education Center

Cost: $75.00 (lunch included)

Registration Deadline: November 4, 2011

Registration is now closed.