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Seattle Human Services news and events

City of Seattle Reminds Residents and Businesses of Resources Available for COVID-19 Relief, Announces $1.7M in funding to support BIPOC Led Organizations Impacted by the Pandemic

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image of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)

Since the COVID-19 pandemic began, the City of Seattle has worked quickly to launch COVID-19 relief programs including rent relief, expanding shelter and services for people experiencing homelessness, grocery vouchers for working families, direct cash assistance for immigrants and refugees, and financial assistance to small businesses. Residents and businesses can find a list of existing COVID-19 relief resources and policies on this website.

Following the recent announcement of $6 million in Equitable Development Initiative funding for site acquisition, capacity building, and capital improvements for community organizations fighting displacement, the Office of Planning and Community Development will provide an additional $1.7 million in funding to support BIPOC-led organizations that have been impacted by the pandemic. Awards of up to $50,000 will go out to 36 organizations to support community-based responses to the pandemic. You can find the full list of recipients here.

There are a series of key programs that are currently available and open to help residents and businesses:

Rental Assistance: Since the start of the pandemic the City of Seattle has invested over $18 million in rental assistance to residents facing financial difficulties due to the pandemic. These investments support three rental assistance programs, administered by the City and community partners. The United Way Home Base Rental Assistance Program has served over 1,480 Seattle households since April 2020 and will continue to serve new households using City investments through the end of 2020 and into 2021. Renters can learn more about this program and apply for assistance at uwkc.org/renthelp. Emergency rental assistance funds are also available through City-supported Homelessness Prevention Program providers, including El Centro de la Raza, InterIm CDA, Neighborhood House, ReWa, Seattle Indian Health Board, St. Vincent de Paul, United Indians of All Tribes Foundation, and YWCA. Additionally, City investments supported over 1,200 renter households living in City-funded rent- and income-restricted affordable housing in April and May, and additional investments made this fall are expected to support approximately 1,300 households through the end of 2020. 

Small Business Stabilization Fund: The City has several existing resources to help small businesses stay open during the COVID-19 pandemic. In March, the City created and launched this fund to provide grants to micro-businesses and small businesses. To date, the City’s Office of Economic Development (OED) has provided 469 small businesses impacted by the COVID-19 with $10,000 grants. OED is accepting applications through November 30, 2020 for $4 million in new Small Business Stabilization Grants.

We're here to help.

Utility Discount Program: As of this month, the City of Seattle  now enrolled over 42,000  households into the Utility Discount Program (UDP) in 2020—surpassing it’s annual goal—and includes, nearly 10,000 new enrollments through the fast-track application process launched in March to more quickly support customers financially impacted by COVID-19. UDP provides a 60% discount on Seattle City Light (SCL) electricity bills and a 50% discount on Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) water/sewer/garbage bills/solid waste for income-eligible customers. To be eligible, your gross median household income must be at or below 70% percent of the state’s median income ($2,966 per month or an annual income of $57,492 for a single- person household and an annual income of $57,492). Additionally, the City created an online UDP self-certification form for customers. This allows income-eligible residential customers to simply complete a short form that attests to their household income, rather than having to initially provide income documentation. Learn more by visiting the UDP website or by calling 206-684-0268.

Grocery Voucher Program and Food Assistance: Launched in March, Seattle’s emergency grocery voucher program provides immediate food support for families in danger of going hungry as a result of the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. The City has continued to add to the number of households being served as funding has become available. Since the program launched, the City has served over 14,000 eligible households. Currently, 8046 households receive emergency grocery vouchers. Households receive $400 a month for their first three months and then $180 a month for the next four for a maximum of seven months of assistance.

Free Curbside and Street Permits for Restaurants and Small Businesses: The Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT) and Seattle Fire Department (SFD) also have a variety of options for business owners seeking to expand their operations outdoors, including curbside pickup, free street use and block closure permits, and free tent and heating permits. SDOT’s free street use permits for businesses are available through October 31, 2021. Businesses interested in learning more and applying can visit this website. Since March, SDOT has installed over 1,000 three-minute temporary Food Priority Pick-Up Zones at over 600 restaurants. 

Safe and Healthy Streets: In April, 26 miles of Stay Healthy Streets were installed so people can walk, roll, and bike to essential services, support local businesses with pickup or take out, and have a place for recreation while maintaining 6-feet of physical distance. Making it easier for families to stay close to home and for students to be active during remote study, free Stay Healthy Block Permits are also available. Simple guidelines make it easy for residents to notify neighbors of event times and setup the street for COVID-19 safe interactions like kicking a soccer ball, learning to ride a bike, or playing games like Simon Says.

Register at seattle.gov/covid19testing or (206) 684-2489

Free Citywide Testing: The City of Seattle continues to offer free COVID-19 testing across Seattle through a partnership with King County and UW Medicine. Drive-through and walk-up testing is available, but residents must first register online. The Seattle Fire Department currently operates four free testing sites in Seattle, and as of November 15, 2020 the SFD sites have conducted over 350,000 tests. Public Health – Seattle & King County recommends that anyone who has COVID-19 symptoms or close contact with someone who has COVID-19 get tested right away. Testing as soon as possible after symptoms appear is important to prevent COVID-19 from spreading to family, friends, and the community. Residents can sign up for a test here.

Where to get the most up-to-date public health information 

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), DOH, and PHSKC have issued specific guidance to help communities and businesses prepare. You can find guidance for the general public, schools, workplaces and employers, travelers and health care professionals as well as a more detailed Q&A here.   

New Statewide Restrictions on Social Gatherings and Businesses as COVID-19 Cases Surge

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On November 15, Governor Jay Inslee issued new statewide restrictions on social gatherings and businesses in response to the surge of COVID-19 across Washington state. Seattle was the initial epicenter of the COVID-19 pandemic in America. Unlike the other Washington, every step of the way our local officials, residents, and businesses have understood how dangerous and deadly COVID-19 is to our communities. Following the advice of experts and public health officials, our collective actions have led to the lowest cases and hospitalizations in the nation.


While Seattle has one of the lowest rates of cases of any major city, we are not immune to the virus surging in the nation, state, and region. Seattle’s cases and hospitalizations are skyrocketing.

During the first two weeks of November, Seattle had 1,550 residents diagnosed with the virus, which is nearly 20% of our total cases since March 2020.

The Seattle case count per 100,000 residents is more than five times higher than what it was at the end of the summer, rising from 40.8 cases per 100,000 residents to over 232 cases per 100,000 residents. Cases severe enough to require hospitalizations are four times higher than at the end of the summer, increasing from 1.3 hospitalizations per 100,000 residents to 6.1. The number of residents from Seattle currently in the hospital with COVID-19 has increased quickly over the past week and is the highest since April 2020. King County has seen a 70% increase in hospitalizations reaching the highest levels since March and April 2020. Members of the public can track the current level of COVID-19 in Seattle and King County on Public Health – Seattle & King County’s data dashboard. The dashboard is updated daily.

Governor Inslee and public health officials are rightfully raising alarm bells for surging cases and hospitalizations. Because of the latest hospitalizations and cases, Governor Inslee has imposed new statewide restrictions that will last until at least December 14, 2020. Please visit the state’s website for a full list of restrictions.

We know that people are hurting right now. This pandemic has led to the worst economic crisis since the Great Depression. Since the COVID-19 pandemic began, the City of Seattle has worked quickly to launch COVID-19 relief programs including rent relief, expanding shelter for people experiencing homelessness, grocery vouchers for working families, direct cash assistance for immigrants and refugees, and financial assistance to small businesses. Residents and businesses can find a list of existing COVID-19 relief resources and policies on this website. Seattle will work with the state on a new $50 million fund for small businesses and workers.

As we head into the holiday season, our instinct is to come together and celebrate with our loved ones. But the reality is that, out of public health necessity, this year’s holiday celebrations will look and feel different. It will be difficult, but we are at a crucial point in the pandemic when our actions will shape our ability to return to normal life in the months to come. Everyone who lives and works in Seattle must mask up, avoid gatherings— especially all indoor social gatherings—and follow all public health guidance. It’s up to all of us to slow the spread of COVID-19 and protect our friends, families, colleagues, and community.

HSD Announces Investments in Single Adult Shelter Surge Hotel Buildings & RRH Supportive Services

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The Homeless Strategy & Investment (HSI) Division of the Seattle Human Services Department (HSD) is pleased to announce the availability of two Request for Qualification (RFQ) processes:

1) The 2020 Shelter Surge RFQ will identify eligible homeless services agencies to operate and provide supportive services at approximately 425 new single adult emergency shelter spaces. Beginning in December 2020, HSD expects to have access to approximately 300 temporary shelter units located at leased hotel properties and 125 units of new enhanced shelter spaces. Through this RFQ process HSD is also identifying agencies to support the possible expansion of the tiny house village program in FY 2021.

2) The 2020 Street to Housing ESG-CV Rapid Rehousing RFQ will select one service provider to provide program enrollment and support to participants at the single adult shelter surge hotel buildings. This intentional linkage of shelter to Rapid Rehousing programming is designed to produce faster and more successful exits to permanent housing. The onsite Rapid Rehousing provider will focus on identifying housing options, move-in and rental assistance, and case management services and supports. HSD estimates that through an expedited process approximately 231 households will be enrolled into Emergency Solutions Grant – Coronavirus (ESG-CV) funded Rapid Rehousing program.

Visit HSD’s Funding Opportunities web page for more information on these two RFQs and to download materials. Please contact Lisa Gustaveson, Strategic Advisor at lisa.gustaveson@seattle.gov or (206) 482-4573 with any questions.

Legacy of Love: A Virtual Forum for African American Caregivers and Others

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Irene Stewart – irene.stewart@seattle.gov

Event Graphic

Are you a caregiver? If so, you are welcome to join Legacy of Love, an online forum on Saturday, Nov. 14, from 12 noon to 2 p.m. While focused on African American caregivers, the event is open to anyone who provides special care for an elder.

“Caregiving for loved ones is always challenging, which is why we sponsor this annual recognition and appreciation of family caregivers who manage health emergencies and juggle ever-changing priorities,” said Seattle Human Services director Jason Johnson. “This year’s theme—Caregiving in the Time of COVID—emphasizes the unique challenges that caregivers have faced in 2020 and will continue to face in the coming year.”

“The pandemic has brought even more challenges, including greater social isolation and—for too many—enormous grief created by the loss of so many African American elders due to COVID-19,” adds conference coordinator Karen Winston, a planner in Seattle Human Services’ Aging and Disability Services division. “Our forum gives participants time to revive, refresh, and connect with others.”

Keynote speaker George Dicks, a Geriatrics Mental Health Practitioner at Harborview Medical Center, will address “Caregiver Hope, Love, and Resiliency.” A panel of family caregivers—Lynda Greene, Minister Shirley Poston, and Charles Williams—will share their stories in “Caregivers: Loving from the Front Line During a Pandemic.” For more information, visit AgingKingCounty.org/LegacyOfLove. 

There is no charge to participate in the forum; however, pre-registration is recommended and is now open at SurveyMonkey.com/r/LegacyOfLoveRegistration.

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Seattle Youth Employment Program Wraps an Unusual Summer

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*A shortened version of this article previously appeared in the October edition of HSD’s monthly Lifelines newsletter. Click here to subscribe now.

When the Seattle Youth Employment Program (SYEP) launched its new academic year program model last year, certainly no one could have predicted that a worldwide pandemic would impact the best laid plans of staff members.

Beginning last October, participants attended weekly sessions and career discovery days, and participated in team activities, skills workshops, one-on-one coaching and support services, and assessments. Youth participants could earn a maximum stipend of $300 per quarter; and those who completed the series were eligible for a 150-hour internship paying $16 per hour in the summer of 2020.

Then COVID-19 came along. SYEP had to quickly adapt to a world where academic learning happens online and students and workers train and interact with each other virtually—utilizing laptops, cell phones, and Microsoft Teams and other social software apps.

Image of Betty

Betty Gebrejawaria was in the school year program. She learned job readiness skills like writing a resume and cover letter and how to prepare for an interview. “As a high school student, I found this really helpful because these are the years where I start to join the job field and SYEP helped me land my first internship,” she shared.

She was chosen as an intern with SYEP, helping to run the annual summer program, which operated as a virtual classroom for participants. She helped provide program support like taking attendance during the job trainings and setting up and running the virtual sessions. “The virtual environment was very new for many people like myself,” said Betty. “Although we encountered many technical issues, everyone was really patient, very kind, and helpful. And everyone’s optimistic attitude really impacted how smooth the program went. I wouldn’t change a thing. It was all last minute, but the program was successful.”

“Participating in the virtual SYEP program over the summer was exciting,” agreed SYEP participant Kidus Solomon. “The staff put together very informative and well-designed presentations that helped me stay engaged and interested on the topics. It’s just a well-designed program to help you succeed.”

Among the many positive impacts on his life so far, Kidus says SYEP helped him create his first resume, which he then used to apply for a job in the middle of the pandemic.

For SYEP intern Calvin Fung, one of the positive impacts this summer was that the job helped him to establish a schedule and have a reason to wake up and feel valuable. “You know, usually you are getting paid for contributing, helping out, providing your insight. And how a young person thinks.” He thinks it is really important that youth serve as interns along with the adult mentors to program participants. He believes they have a special effect, because there’s a difference between “an adult speaking to you, as compared to a young person speaking to another young person.”

Meeting regularly with both assigned counselors and peers helped Gheeda Hamam keep a check on her hours and her progress with the program. Counselors were very helpful with providing resources and assistance. They were also great at being responsive to her emails and helped her stay on track with accessing links and using chat.

She feels that “SYEP has taught me to learn soft skills such as time management, conflict resolution, team building, and communication. And it also taught me skills like resume building and creating the accounts for LinkedIn and NeoGov.” (NeoGov is the online job application platform used by the City of Seattle and several other government and public agencies in the area for their hiring processes.)

Leland Adams is also a previous SYEP participant who landed a summer internship helping to support the program, which he said “taught me a bunch about virtual platforms, which I’m very grateful for because moving forward in I think a lot of people’s careers, and education as well, we will be using those virtual platforms.”

In the virtual SYEP setting, the interns had to become comfortable communicating with managers and peers, as well as with the summer students. The students needed to understand what was expected of them online in the virtual session instead of an office internship and what SYEP expected for them to get out of the program. “And so, just working through and communicating a lot because this was the pilot program to everything that we were doing,” said Leland. “We were pretty much setting the foundation for everything that this program was going to be, and everything that it could become in the future.”

When asked what some of the positives and the negatives were about not being able to be in person with participants, Leland really saw the positives. “I feel like I gained a new skill set, right? Being able to work from home. Because I think that’s something in the future that we’re going to be seeing a lot of, and just being able to work on projects online …. Not everybody is going to be able to access the office in the future.”

Gheeda nodded as he was speaking, and added that “being able to finish a project online is a really good skill because you have to be independent and kind of just go off from the instructions that were given online.” That’s not something that’s easy to do, but she believes it will also be an increasingly important ability in the future, where assistance isn’t just on the other side of a cubicle wall or elsewhere in a physical office.

I feel like I gained a new skill set, right? Being able to work from home. Because I think that’s something in the future that we’re going to be seeing a lot of, and just being able to work on projects online …. Not everybody is going to be able to access the office in the future.

Leland Adams, SYEP Summer Intern

For many office workers prior to this global pandemic, while resume writing and interviewing skills were important to learn as they started out, it was equally as important to focus on dressing for an office environment, planning a commute, and showing up on time. Our current state may be, unexpectedly, really preparing these youth for a future where they may be on a team with people who are in Seattle, Europe, India, and Australia and all coming in at different times, and working on projects together, and leaving things in the chat box for someone to pick up when they start their day. Many of the tech jobs in our area already look like this. So there are lots of skills that SYEP is having to build into the program now, but that are actually going to be much more valuable as the workplace continues to change.

When asked about how SYEP has had a positive impact on his life, Leland said it’s really helped him to grow his networks while being a student at the University of Washington. It’s helped him to feel more confident, and “hopefully that opens some doors for me in the future.”

SYEP staff are happy to report that his hopes may have been realized, as Leland recently accepted another internship position with the King County Department of Human Resources, where he will support the development of a new job readiness program. This program seeks to establish pathways of employment for young men of color, specifically black men in high school and college.

Community is invited to help shape the future of the Safe & Thriving Communities Division

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HSD social media logo

All are invited to join the Seattle Human Service Department’s (HSD) community forum series on its new Safe and Thriving Communities Division. This new division will respond to community requests for the City of Seattle to shift funding away from traditional police response, and reinvest in community building efforts using nearly $22 million in annual investments. Through the community forums, you will learn about options to direct the work of the new division. Namely, design a hiring process for the new division director and a community structure that shares responsibility for decisions and outcomes.

Why you

Community is the core of this work. Establishing the division’s structure, function, and leadership, cannot happen successfully without community making critical decisions in partnership with HSD. Your leadership now and in the years ahead will allow HSD to fund community support so that all people living in Seattle are free from violence.

Why now

2020 elevated a number of long unaddressed needs from Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) communities. This stems from the strong community advocacy efforts that unfolded over time and this summer. Community advocacy originally created HSD and we are well positioned to work with community members in supporting safety in Seattle and addressing racial inequities.

We heard the desire to invest in BIPOC communities, social services, and alternatives to policing. The Mayor intends to guide $100 million a year in support of BIPOC communities. In addition, Seattle City Council recently invested $14 million for community safety programs. The new Safe and Thriving Communities Division consolidates HSD’s existing funding for community safety and prepares HSD to administer new programs and funding opportunities. We need your help to do that.

How you fit in 

This work, establishing the division’s structure, function, and leadership, has not been defined—and cannot be defined—without you. Your leadership will contribute to how HSD invests in safe and thriving communities in the years ahead. To make this happen, we ask you join one of the forums from the series and consider how we can work together to design this new division. 

What’s next 

This a lot of information and we are sure you have questions about the details. These forums allow HSD to go deeper into the broader context and work from a whole picture approach with you. We want to be responsive to community and this is the first of many conversations we will have in the course of this effort. 

Here are the details and RSVP information for the forums: 

  • Friday, November 6 from 10:00 am to 11:30 am. 
  • Thursday, November 12 from 5:30 pm to 7:00 pm. 
  • Friday, November 13 from 1:00 pm to 2:30 pm. 
  • Monday, November 16 from 6:00 pm to 7:30 pm. 
  • Tuesday, November 17 from 3:00 pm to 4:30 pm.  

Given the ongoing COVID-19 impacts, these meetings will be facilitated virtually over WebEx. If you have questions about this announcement, trouble RSVPing for the forums, or in general, please reach out to Terri Croft at Terri.Croft@seattle.gov or (206) 247-2472. 

#DVAM Purple Pumpkins

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October may be coming to a close, but the Mayor’s Office on Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault works to raise awareness all year long.

With our decision this year to use the Halloween Week social media campaign originally developed by the Washington State Coalition Against Domestic Violence (WSCADV), we wanted to make sure to end the month by highlighting this statewide network of domestic violence programs, survivors, and allies which works tirelessly to help survivors towards safety and freedom.

Please visit the WSCADV website to learn more about domestic violence and to access a resource library, policy and research, and much more.

As part of our campaign this week, and to take advantage of a rare fifth #PurpleThursday, our staff and friends at Seattle Human Services decided to join with some other DV awareness programs around the country this year in also promoting a Purple Pumpkin decorating challenge. Here are some of the results.

With a couple of days still left in October, and with many of us at home with limited opportunities to celebrate the holiday, why don’t you take a “stab” at carving or painting your own Purple Pumpkin and tagging @SeattleHSD and #DVAM2020 for a last chance to raise awareness.

LGBTQ+2S & BIPOC: Vaccinations, Vaccine Trials, and YOU

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Age Friendly Seattle is hosting an online panel presentation geared to people who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, or two-spirit (LGBTQ+2S) and Black, indigenous, and other people of color (BIPOC). 

“LGBTQ+2S & BIPOC: Vaccinations, Vaccine Trials, and YOU” is a live panel presentation that will take place on Friday, Oct. 30, from 2:00–3:30 p.m. At event time, log on to bit.ly/AgeFriendlyLive. No registration or log-in is required. A phone-in option is also available.

“According to a 2019 FDA report on drug trial demographics, current enrollment of BIPOC participants lags behind the general population,” said Age Friendly Seattle program manager Brent Butler, who will moderate the panel discussion. “We also know that LGBTQ+2S people experience significant disparities in health and health care. See Stanford University’s Pride Study and the University of Washington’s Aging with Pride: National Health, Aging and Sexuality/Gender Study.” 

The October 30 panel presentation will support enrollment in research studies among the populations disproportionately impacted. Panelists include:

To view two previous LGBTQ+2S panel presentations, visit YouTube.com/c/AgingKingCounty. The Oct. 30 event will also be video-recorded—available on the same site after the event.

The Oct. 30 event is free and open to the public. LGBTQ+2S youth are welcome and encouraged to attend this virtual event.  

For more information, visit Seattle.gov/AgeFriendly or e-mail agefriendly@seattle.gov.

Event flyer with speaker photos
Click above to download event flyer

#PurpleThursday2020

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Will YOU join us in raising awareness about domestic violence by participating in #PugetSoundPurpleThursday? 💜 Wear purple, change your background, or share a personal story if you’re comfortable, and post with the hashtag above and #PurpleThursday2020 or #DVAM2020.

HSD’s External Affairs Team

The Human Services Department’s (HSD) Mayor’s Office on Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault (MODVSA) and the Office of Labor Standards (OLS) recently recognized the month of October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month; a time to remember victims and survivors of abuse and exploitation; to raise awareness about violence and its effect on families and communities; and to acknowledge and highlight those working to end gender-based violence. 

HSD’s Senior Leadership Team

In recent years, an additional day for raising awareness on social media–Purple Thursday–was declared for the 4th Thursday of the month. As a day dedicated to visibly showing your support for survivors and for ending domestic violence, everyone is asked to wear something purple, change their social media backgrounds, or share a personal story. By posting to social media with the hashtags, everyone can raise awareness of the issue by driving users online to hotline numbers for support, statistics about how domestic violence damages communities, and stories of survival.

MODVSA staff member, Sabrina Budner

As the awareness day has spread, many supporters have increasingly tied the day to the Halloween holiday at the end of the month. Some advocacy groups have also highlighted taglines that further emphasize the themes–such as reminders that “relationships should be fun, not scary,” “relationships should be a treat, not a trick,” and “romance isn’t supposed to be creepy.”

(Watch the Seattle Human Services social media feeds next week for a great campaign first designed by our partners at the Washington State Coalition Against Domestic Violence!)

Age Friendly Seattle staff member, Lenny Orlov

This year has been an especially challenging one. While agencies and programs quickly pivoted in response to COVID-19, we have witnessed a rise in reported incidents of gender-based violence and related fatalities both locally and nationally due to social distancing, economic deprivation and related conditions. Those most impacted prior to COVID and during COVID are overwhelmingly marginalized populations: communities of color, GBLTIQ, immigrants and refugees, and those living with disabilities.

Join us right now in helping raise awareness and get the word out. And let people in your community know about The National Domestic Violence Hotline – 1.800.799-SAFE (7233) / TTY 1.800.787.3224

For more ideas and action steps that you can take to end domestic violence, visit: https://endgv.org/ or https://wscadv.org/dvam/.

Please visit the OLS website for more information on the PSST Ordinance or call 206-256-5297. And, visit the Seattle Human Services Department for more on supportive victim services.

Why Do We Recognize Domestic Violence Awareness Month?

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The Human Services Department (HSD) and the Office of Labor Standards (OLS) recently recognized the month of October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month; a time to remember victims and survivors of abuse and exploitation; to raise awareness about violence and its effect on families and communities; and to acknowledge and highlight those working to end gender-based violence. 

The National Coalition Against Domestic Violence (NCADV) defines domestic violence as “the willful intimidation, physical assault, battery, sexual assault, and/or other abusive behavior as part of a systematic pattern of power and control perpetrated by one intimate partner against another. It includes physical violence, sexual violence, threats, economic, and emotional/psychological abuse. The frequency and severity of domestic violence varies dramatically.”

According to a report from the CDC’s National Center for Injury Prevention and Control, The national intimate partner and sexual violence survey (NISVS): 2010-2012 state report,  1 in 4 women and 1 in 10 men experience sexual violence, physical violence and/or stalking by an intimate partner during their lifetime, suffering impacts such as being concerned for their safety, PTSD symptoms, injury, or needing victim services:

  • Approximately 1 in 5 female victims and 1 in 20 male victims need medical care.
  • Female victims sustain injuries 3x more often than male victims.
  • 1 in 5 female victims and 1 in 9 male victims need legal services.
  • 23.2% of women and 13.9% of men have experienced severe physical violence by an intimate partner during their lifetime.

Domestic violence is prevalent in every community, and affects all people regardless of age, socio-economic status, sexual orientation, gender, race, religion, or nationality. Physical violence is often accompanied by emotionally abusive and controlling behavior as part of a much larger, systematic pattern of dominance and control. Domestic violence can result in physical injury, psychological trauma, and even death. The devastating consequences of domestic violence can cross generations and last a lifetime

We also have to move beyond thinking of domestic violence only as incidents of physical abuse. It is a pattern of behavior designed to terrorize and control; and we see an increasing use of technology to commit psychological abuse. Tech-Enabled Coercive Control (TECC) extends the pattern of using threats of harm, dependence, isolation, intimidation, and/or physical forms of violence to include the ways technology facilitates coercive control. Forms of TECC include cyberstalking, monitoring, impersonation, harassment, and distribution of intimate images.

During Domestic Violence Awareness Month, The Seattle Great Wheel and the Columbia Center office building downtown are going purple to recognize #PurpleThursday.

The issue of domestic violence is widespread and thrives when we are silent. With so many of us working or supporting community from home this year, OLS and HSD’s Mayor’s Office on Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault are asking you to join us in honoring the victims and survivors of domestic violence by wearing purple next Thursday, October 22, in solidarity with survivors of domestic violence. Post a photo, hold a sign, or share a personal story if you are comfortable, and use the social media hashtag #PugetSoundPurpleThursday.