A federal grant of nearly $300,000 to improve services and safety for victims of domestic violence recently was awarded to the City of Bellingham in partnership with the Bellingham-Whatcom County Commission Against Domestic Violence.
Commission Director Sue Parrott said this significant funding will help ensure comprehensive services are offered to domestic violence victims throughout Whatcom County.
The grant will fund a full-time domestic violence victim’s advocate who will work with victim involved with the criminal justice system in the cities of Blaine, Ferndale, Everson-Nooksack, Lynden and Sumas. The advocate will ensure that domestic violence victims are well informed and involved in their criminal cases, as well as linked with community services and resources.
The grant also will provide continued funding for a 24-hour on-call domestic violence advocacy service triggered by a law enforcement request at the scene of a domestic violence incident. Immediate help in the critical moments following the arrest of a perpetrator is critical to assessing safety, identifying options and accessing services.
Karen Burke, Executive Director, Domestic Violence & Sexual Assault Services of Whatcom County said these first steps are frightening and confusing for victims.
"This project will help our agency and our community reach out immediately to those victims who are most at risk," she said. "This project will save lives."
Grant expands domestic violence services countywide (News Release)
Date Posted: Oct 26, 2007
