October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

What is domestic violence? Experts say domestic violence takes many forms, including emotional, sexual, physical or economic abuse. Examples include:
· Putdowns, name calling or continual embarrassments
· Intimidating behavior
· Cutting off contact to family or friends
· Controlling access to money
· Preventing a partner from obtaining or keeping a job
· Threatening the partner, children, pets or possessions
· Physical abuse
· Sexual pressure
· Stalking

53,770 domestic violence incidents were reported to Washington police agencies in 2005. Untold numbers of incidents go unreported because victims are frightened, embarassed, or simply don’t know where to go for help. One important resource is the 24 hours a day / 7 days a week state domestic violence hotline at 1-800-562-6025 (voice and TTY). Another is the national domestic violence hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (voice) and 1-800-787-3224 (TTY). Another option for victims who have few or no resources is to go to a DSHS Community Services Office (CSO) and apply for assistance. Case workers will ask about domestic violence and link clients up with people and resources specifically designed to offer advocacy and support to victims. Some CSOs have on-site domestic violence counselors.

If you or someone you know is a victim of domestic violence, help is available to you through the agencies listed above or through these other resources after the jump:

Additional resources
· Washington State Domestic Violence Hotline, 1-800-562-6025 (Voice and TTY) offers 24/7 crisis counseling, information and referral to local domestic violence resources, including emergency shelters and advocacy programs.
· Washington Violence Against Women Network (WAVAWnet) www.wavawnet.org. Provides resources and information on domestic violence, sexual assault and stalking in Washington.
· The DSHS Domestic Violence Program offers information and resources on services for victims of domestic violence in Washington, and a listing of treatment providers for domestic violence perpetrators at www1.dshs.wa.gov/ca/dvservices/index.asp.
· Washington State Coalition Against Domestic Violence www.wscadv.org. The statewide non-profit membership organization provides information, technical assistance, public awareness, training and public policy advocacy on domestic violence.

Thanks to the DSHS for this material.