Supporting Survivors of Domestic Violence & Sexual Assault
Because interpersonal violence exacts an enormous toll on individuals, families and communities, United Way of King County is committed to ending domestic violence and sexual assault.
United Way of King County supports programs that:
- Provide emergency services for people affected by domestic violence and sexual assault, including temporary shelter and crisis counseling
- Help batterers learn self-management and stop their abusive behaviors
- Provide therapy, counseling and activities for children and youth exposed to domestic violence
- Assist youth in developing skills to avoid, stop and prevent violence
- Offer community education to change norms and attitudes about violence
Ending domestic violence and sexual assault will create a community with less crime and more stable families--a safer, healthier community for everyone.
WHAT'S HAPPENING IN OUR COMMUNITY
There are no accurate data describing incidence of domestic violence for King County. However, the Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs collects reported data.
The number of known domestic violence-related crimes is outlined below.
Domestic violence-related offenses
In the Office of Crime Victims Advocacy study with Washington State women (2001), 85% of victims did not report their assault to law enforcement, a statistic consistent with national trends.
Additionally:
- One-third (38%) of women in WA state report they were sexually assaulted in their lifetime.
- Half of all adult sexual assault experiences took place when the woman was between the ages of 18 and 21 years old.
Forcible rape in Washington state
Over the last ten years in Washington state, rates of forcible rape reported to law enforcement have fluctuated with no apparent pattern.
There was roughly a steady decline from 1997 to 2001, before the rates gradually climbed back up until 2004 when they descended again.
