DVSAS News

Black and White Gala: A Purple Ribbon Affair

Jenn Mason — Sun, 07 Dec 2008 08:00:00

On November 8, 2008, over 200 DVSAS supporters came together to celebrate at Black and White Gala: A Purple Ribbon Affair. The evening was a success; final numbers are still being tallied but it is safe to say that our goals were exceeded, raising over $45,000! Our guests also help fund a new Americorps position, allowing DVSAS to expand children's crisis services.

Check out the DVSAS Auction pictures. We hope to see you next year, at the DVSAS 30th Anniversary Auction/Gala!

Thank you to our Sponsors!

Domestic Violence Awareness Month Events Calendar

Julie — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 07:00:00

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Many community events have been planned. Please support them. Let's stand together in solidarity for safe families. Click here for calendar.

Race for the End

Julie — Wed, 17 Sep 2008 07:00:00

Thank you to everyone who participated in this event! Over 250 people came out in support of DVSAS and Womencare Shelter at our first annual Race for the End of Domestic Violence 5/10K.

This year's winners are:

Congratulations to Cole Avery, winnner of the 5K. This outstanding 11 year-old finished in just 20:47!

Congratulions to Scott Gilmore, winner of the 10K. His finishing time was 38:18.

Thank you once again for your support. We look forward to seeing you at next year's race!

One in 3 women report that they have been physically or sexually abused in their lifetimes.

An estimated 7 million children are living in homes where severe physical domestic violence is occurring.

On average, more than three women are murdered by their intimate partners in this country every day.

Race for Safety,

Race for Respect,

Race for Peace,

Race for the Children,

Race for the future?.

RACE FOR THE END OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE!

When: Sunday, October 26th ~ Registration 8:30-9:30

5K Fun Run/Walk�& 10K Run start at 9:30 a.m.

Where: Bloedel Donovan Park - Electric Street

Registration Costs: Registration is $10.00 per person. Participants are encouraged to set up teams and obtain pledges to support domestic violence services in Whatcom County.

100% of the proceeds will benefit Womencare Shelter and Domestic Violence & Sexual Assault Services of Whatcom County.

How to Register: Register the day of the event between 8:30am and 9:30am!

Teams: Participating as a team can be fun and rewarding. Teams can help raise extra money by issuing challenges to other teams! For example, if your business wants to set up a team you can challenge a competing business or neighboring office to participate and see who can raise the most money to end Domestic Violence! It is a great way to build comradery and to increase recognition of your business.

To register as a team just have each individual of the team fill out a registration form and indicate the team name. Then raise money for the cause! Make sure to indicate the team name on the pledge form as well. That way we can track your team?s fundraising results.

Pledges: All participants are encouraged to obtain pledges from their friends, family, associates, and neighbors to support domestic violence services in Whatcom County. Participants who donate or raise $50 or more in pledges will receive a free ?Race for the end? T-shirt.

Collect the pledge money from your sponsors. You can mail or drop off your pledge money to 1407 Commercial St. Bellingham, Wa 98225. You can also drop off all pledge money and pledge sheets day of the event at the pledges station.

Pledges must be turned in by the day of the event to qualify for a free t shirt or to be recorded in team fundraising results.

Download Pledge Form

Event Course: Both of these beautiful 5K and 10K courses willwill begin and end at Bloedel Donovan Park, wind through Whatcom Falls Park and surrounding areas.� The terrain is primarily dirt and gravel, though some of both courses run onto sidewalks and roads.� The 5K course can accomodate strollers; however, runners should be advised that the 10K course is challenging and does include some stairs.

5K Fun Run/Walk: Course Map

10K Run: Course Map

End of Race: There will be food and festivities at the end of the race. Plan to stay and enjoy some local treats, vendors and music.

Weather: We will race, RAIN OR SHINE! Dress for the occasion!

Online registration is now closed, but you may register at the event from 8:30am-9:30am!

1st Annual Golf Tournament

Julie Farrow — Fri, 20 Jun 2008 07:00:00

Be a part of the fun at

Barkley Company's�1st Annual

Putt an End to Violence�Golf Tournament

in support of DVSAS

General Information

Date: Thursday, September 11th

Registration:�� 9:00 - 11:30 a.m.

Format:� Shotgun/Scramble/Best Ball

Tee Off Time: 12:00

Pre-Event Games: Start at 9:00

Cost: $100/person includes 1/2 cart, 3 meals, prizes and more

This will be a fun event with prizes and contests...you could win $5,000 with a great putt, or maybe a Porsche Boxter with a hole in one!� Draw prizes include a golf trip at Bandon Dunes Resort, golf merchandise, and many great donated prizes.� Team prizes for the top competitive, recreational, and women's teams as well as a putting contest.

Enjoy an excellent meal at Bob's Burger and Brew including�Beef�sandwiches,�bbq chicken, salad/veggie bar, dessert and wine.� Team prizes and complete prize drawings will be awarded during dinner.

Win a Porsche Boxter!

Win a trip to Bandon Dunes Golf Resort!

You won't want to miss this tournament.

Registration Online

Download Registration Form

Sexual Assault Awareness Month Events

Jenn Mason — Tue, 01 Apr 2008 07:00:00

Locally and around the nation, organizations and individuals bring raise awareness about sexual violence by celebrating Sexual Assault Awareness Month. Whatcom County is no exception and this year, Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Services of Whatcom County (DVSAS) is hosting a wide variety of community events, along with Western Washington University, Brigid Collins, and Lummi Victims of crime.

DVSAS hosted events include:

April 9, 11:45am-1:15pm

Men's Roles in Ending Violence/Brown Bag Lunch

Presented by: Joshua O'Donnell, Men's Violence Prevention Project Coordinator (WWU)

April 17, 22, 29

Self-Defense Trainings

Presented by: Gerry Ebalaroza-Tunnell

Classes Filled. Please call DVSAS at (360)671-5714 for details.

April 23, 11:45am-1:15pm

Talking to Kids About Sexual Abuse/Brown Bag Lunch

Presented by: Detective Mike Mozelewski (Bellingham Police Department)

Andrea Burnett (Child Protective Services)

Gail Tierney (Brigid Collins)

April 30, All day

Whatcom County’s Third Annual Denim Day

Join the community in helping raise awareness by wearing jeans! More details can be found here.

For a full list of Whatcom County events, see the Community Calendar.

Register Now for Whatcom County's Third Annual Denim Day: April 30, 2008!

Jennifer Mason — Wed, 05 Mar 2008 08:00:00

What is Denim Day?

In 1999, the Italian Supreme Court 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.

Denim Day began as a heated response to this verdict. However, it has now evolved into an internationally celebrated day to show your support for ending sexual violence, honoring survivors and raising awareness of the issue.

How do I Participate in Whatcom County's Third Annual Denim Day?

Participating is easy! Denim Day participants are asked to wear jeans to work and school on Wednesday, April 30 and display provided Denim Day materials. Materials may include stickers, posters, and table displays and will be provided for free.

Some businesses also include a fundraising component and use Denim Day to ensure that necessary services continue to be available for local victims of violence. Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Services of Whatcom County (DVSAS) provides many of these essential services, including a 24-hour hotline, prevention education, support groups and legal advocacy. We invite all businesses to use Denim Day as an opportunity to show your support both through public awareness and financial contributions. Ideas for contributing can be found on the attached registration form.

Who Can Participate in Denim Day?

Anyone! Businesses, schools, and individuals are encouraged to raise awareness by wearing jeans on Denim Day.

Participating businesses already include:

Binyon Eye Center*

Creativitea*

Whatcom Educational Credit Union

Fantasia Coffee

Law Advocate

Moss Adams*

Big Brothers/Big Sisters*

The Greenhouse

Salon D'Artiste*

Mallards Ice Cream

Boundary Bay Brewery

*These stores are taking part in Denim Day by also making a donation to DVSAS.

Stores hosting Denim Day sales and donating a portion of proceeds include:

True Blue Boutique

Frank James

Paris Texas

Four Starrs Boutique

Mi Shoes

Gary's Men's and Women's Wear

Forget Me Not 75 Designs

Georgie Girl

More details will be available soon. Visit often for updated listings!

Register Now!

If you are registering a clothing store, register here.

If you are registering a restaurant or beauty/hair salon, register here.

If you are registering any other business (bank, grocery store, government agency, etc.), register here.

Related Events:

Take Back Our Trails 5K Run/Walk

Women’s Self-Defense Training

Take Back Our Trails 5K Run/Walk: March 30, 2008

Jenn — Tue, 04 Mar 2008 08:00:00

Join the community on Sunday, March 30, 2008 for the

Take Back Our Trails 5K Run/Walk!

Take Back Our Trails 5K Run/Walk is being organized in response to the beating and rape of a woman runner at Little Squalicum Beach. The event will take place in this area at the same general time and same day of the week that the assault occurred. We believe that women and girls have the right to be safe anywhere in Whatcom County and this is a chance for the community to join together in support of safe trails, safe streets, and safe homes for women.

General Participant Information:

Location: Take Back Our Trails 5K Run/Walk will begin and end at the Bellingham Technical College Parking Lot. The course will wind through the area of the Squalicum Trail and Beach.

Time: Check-in and in-person registration will be available 9:30am - 10:30am.

Registration Information: Registration is free, however we will gladly accept donations to cover the cost of the event and to help support our services.

Timing: Thanks to the Greater Bellingham Running Club, a timer will be running for participants to track their own time if they desire. We will not rank or post times for this event.

Refreshments: One hydration station will be provided on the course and there will be a food/drink tent open after the run/walk.

Facilities: Courtesy of Sanitary Service Company, toilets will be available at start/finish area.

Course Information: The course was measured and will be marked by RunningShoes.com. All runners and walkers will start together. The course loops back on itself so please be courteous to others by not running or walking more than two deep and by staying on the right side of the trail.

Course Map: Please check back for the course map. It will be posted on the website as soon as it becomes available.

Sorry, because the trail is likely to be crowded, please leave pets and bikes at home.

Online registration is closed. However, you may register at the event starting at 9:30am.

Related Events:

Women’s Self-Defense Training

Whatcom County’s Third Annual Denim Day

Women's Self-Defense Training: October 18 - November 22

Jenn — Mon, 03 Mar 2008 08:00:00

What: Women's Self-Defense Training

Date: Saturday, October 18-November 22

Time: 10am-12pm

Location: DVSAS: 1407 Commercial St. Bellingham, WA 98225

Cost: $85.00

Who Can Attend: Women and girls of all ages and ability levels

For more details, click here.

About the Trainer:

Gerry Ebalaroza-Tunnell is very passionate about teaching self defense for she was also a victim of an attack back in 1992 when she lived in Los Angeles. After a man had attacked her and attempted to steal her purse she reacted on the instincts developed from years of martial arts study, she executedsome quick moves, and broke two of his ribs resulting in the puncturing of his lung. He survived the surprise defense and was later picked up out of a line-up by three other women who had their purses snatched by the same man.

Although Ebalaroza-Tunnell survived the attack and has had many years of martial arts training, emotional strain burdened her for years. �?Being a martial artist does not make you immune to any attack, but through continuous self defense training your skills become instinctual which can protect you against an attack�?, says Ebalaroza-Tunnell.

Ebalaroza-Tunnell has been training in the art of Wing Chun for over 10 years and has been teaching self defense to women in the Pacific Northwest for the past seven years and in Whatcom County for the past five. She knows very well the impact of a surprise attack and would like to teach as many women as possible the skills to defend themselves.

To Register: Call DVSAS at (360)671-5714 or email with your name, address, email and phone number. Space is limited and registration is necessary!

Related Events:

Take Back Our Trails 5K Run/Walk

Whatcom County’s Third Annual Denim Day

Project B'Ham Donates to DVSAS at Upcoming Event

Jenn Mason — Mon, 25 Feb 2008 08:00:00

Beauty Bar, Bellingham's sensational makeover and martini event returns Saturday, March 8th from 8-12PM at The Wild Buffalo for another unforgettable evening of shopping, dancing, drinking and beauty services. For a mere entry fee of $10 Beauty Bar patrons can enjoy a complimentary spa service ranging from a manicure, up-do, make-up application and massage, as well as shop the eclectic trunk show featuring over 15 local designers and shops. Live entertainment provided by local DJ sensation DJ Buckshot and Bellingham band favorite, The All Nighters tops off the evening - sandwiched between hourly raffle giveaways, goodie bags and yummy edible surprises.

In addition to its usual beauty/fashion agenda, Project BHAM, the local non-profit retail collective behind Beauty Bar, will donate 10% of all proceeds collected at the door to the local social action group Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Services of Whatcom County (DVSAS). The donation is made in an effort to draw awareness to domestic abuse prevention - and in recognition of April's Sexual Assault Awareness month..

Click Here for more News and Events

DV/CPS Court Protocol

Julie Farrow — Fri, 11 Jan 2008 08:00:00

After a conference sponsored by DVSAS in 2006, regarding domestic violence as it pertains to child maltreatment, it was recognized that there was a need to develop a streamlined coordinated response protocol to ensure consistency in response to families where there is domestic violence.� A Leadership Team of representatives from law enforcement, the courts, probation, CPS, DSHS, and appropriate service agencies was created under the leadership of Judge Charles Snyder. They met regularly over a period of two years to establish protocols designed to enhance communitywide response with families where there is domestic violence and children are involved. � The result of this undertaking was the publication of the Whatcom County Coordinated Response Protocol: Domestic Violence, Children, and Child Maltreatment�

This document is intended to provide guidance and procedural direction for law enforcement agencies, courts, Child Protective Services (CPS) workers and service providers when responding to domestic violence in relationships where there are children and the children may be subject to maltreatment and ensure that all agencies or authorities connected with a case share appropriate information, and act with a coordinated effort to maximize safety for victims and children while holding abusers accountable.�

Click here to see the report

DVSAS News

Black and White Gala: A Purple Ribbon Affair

Thank you to our Sponsors!

Domestic Violence Awareness Month Events Calendar

Race for the End

Thank you to everyone who participated in this event! Over 250 people came out in support of DVSAS and Womencare Shelter at our first annual Race for the End of Domestic Violence 5/10K.

This year's winners are:

Race for Safety,

Race for Respect,

Race for Peace,

Race for the Children,

Race for the future?.

RACE FOR THE END OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE!

1st Annual Golf Tournament

Be a part of the fun at

Barkley Company's�1st Annual

Putt an End to Violence�Golf Tournament

in support of DVSAS

General Information

Date: Thursday, September 11th

Registration:�� 9:00 - 11:30 a.m.

Format:� Shotgun/Scramble/Best Ball

Tee Off Time: 12:00

Pre-Event Games: Start at 9:00

Cost: $100/person includes 1/2 cart, 3 meals, prizes and more

Enjoy an excellent meal at Bob's Burger and Brew including�Beef�sandwiches,�bbq chicken, salad/veggie bar, dessert and wine.� Team prizes and complete prize drawings will be awarded during dinner.

Win a Porsche Boxter!

Win a trip to Bandon Dunes Golf Resort!

Sponsors

Questions?

Call Doug at Doug Foster Muljat Group Realtors at (360)920-1114or Sue Stremler at (360)734-0108.

Call Julie at DVSAS (360)671-5714 to register.

Sexual Assault Awareness Month Events

Presented by: Joshua O'Donnell, Men's Violence Prevention Project Coordinator (WWU)

Presented by: Gerry Ebalaroza-Tunnell

Classes Filled. Please call DVSAS at (360)671-5714 for details.

Presented by: Detective Mike Mozelewski (Bellingham Police Department)

Andrea Burnett (Child Protective Services)

Gail Tierney (Brigid Collins)

Join the community in helping raise awareness by wearing jeans! More details can be found here.

Register Now for Whatcom County's Third Annual Denim Day: April 30, 2008!

Participating businesses already include:

Stores hosting Denim Day sales and donating a portion of proceeds include:

Related Events:

Take Back Our Trails 5K Run/Walk: March 30, 2008

Join the community on Sunday, March 30, 2008 for the

Take Back Our Trails 5K Run/Walk!

Related Events:

Women's Self-Defense Training: October 18 - November 22

Related Events:

Project B'Ham Donates to DVSAS at Upcoming Event

DV/CPS Court Protocol