SafePlace Fights Against Domestic Violence

This week, getting back to our NPOTW feature, we’re showcasing another organization from the Seattle/Olympia area: incredible, necessary, cannot-say-enough-good-things-about-it advocacy agency/confidential shelter for victims of domestic violence  SafePlace.

Safeplace has been an invaluable local resource since 1981, when two programs run by the YWCA- Rape Relief and the Women’s Shelter- merged.  They provide a shelter for victims of violence, comprehensive volunteer training, awareness-raising events, a 24-hour crisis line, shelter support, legal and medical advocacy, and support groups.  To reduce their contributions to the Olympia-area to the simple, aforementioned list seems criminal, so great and positive has their impact been on the entire community.

Here, in their own words, are their mission statement and core values of the organization:

‘Mission
We strive to put an end to sexual and domestic violence and advocate for personal and societal change through crisis intervention and education.

Core Values

Quality
We are dedicated to quality programs and services for our clients, the best facilities we can provide, the finest staff we can hire and a positive atmosphere for change.

Respect
The foundation for our relationships with others is respect for individual rights and choices. We are compassionate in our dealings with others.

Self Care
We recognize the need for self-care as a priority for both clients and staff.

Diversity
We value, acknowledge and integrate diversity. We are dedicated to serving the diverse cultures in our community and mirroring that diversity in our staff.

Integrity
We endeavor to build relationships with clients, community members and each other based on integrity and honesty.

Confidentiality
Client and personnel information is held in the strictest of confidence creating a culture of openness and trust.’

I have known many volunteers for SafePlace, as well as people who’ve used their services, in the 5 years I lived in Olympia, and I never heard anything less than the highest praise.  Safeplace has a team of incredible staff and volunteers whom they’ve trained in their 35-hour initial training program and the competency and compassion of the people who work in the shelter is legendary.

Along with the specific services Safeplace provides to the region, they are one of many organizations in the nation who are addressing, in an ongoing way, the pervasive and insidious issue of domestic violence.  The necessity of organizations which provide safe haven to abused individuals cannot be underestimated.  Consider donating to your local shelter today.

From Safe Place:

Donate To Safe Place

Facts about  Domestic Violence

Facts About Sexual Assault

8 Ways You Can Help Prevent Sexual Assault

Resources:

National Domestic Violence Hotline : 1.800.799.SAFE, or TTY: 1.800.787.3224

Am I Being Abused?

Am I Being Abusive?

Helping A Friend

Violence Against Women Act

National Coalition Against Domestic Violence

Here is a video from the UK, of two women detailing their experiences of domestic violence:

And this one, with an American woman, Caroline, talking opening and astutely about her abusive relationship with her now-ex husband, of 43 years:

Filed under: Non-Profit Of The Week by AJ