We’re honored to share that WSCADV is now serving as Washington’s federally recognized sexual assault coalition.
This recognition marks an important step in strengthening survivor services across our state. For decades, our coalition has worked alongside domestic violence programs to advocate for safety, justice, and sustainable services. Expanding our role allows us to deepen our commitment to survivors of sexual assault and build stronger alignment across the broader violence prevention and response movement.
We’re grateful to the programs, advocates, and survivors who continue to guide this work. We look forward to walking alongside sexual assault programs in this next chapter.
Get the details at wscadv.org.
On May 5 and for the first week of May, we remember the lives of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Relatives (MMIW) and commit to action. Tribal member programs and Native advocates and survivors are leading the way, honoring Missing and Murdered Relatives, and working for change. Continue reading and get involved at the link in our profile. ❤️
All across Washington state, advocates are here to listen, support, and honor what healing looks like for you. As Sexual Assault Awareness Month comes to a close, we want you to know that you are not alone. Together, we can build communities where everyone can get what they need, where we can live and love without fear, and where healing is possible. Get more information about connecting with free, confidential support in your area at the link in our profile.
Denim Day began as a protest against a court decision that blamed a survivor for what she was wearing. Today, many survivors still hesitate to speak up because they fear being blamed, not believed, or judged. When people don’t feel safe asking for help, violence is harder to stop. Prevention starts with communities where survivors are supported, believed, and treated with care -- and we can be a part of building that future!
The Survivor Justice Network National Survey closes at the end of April! If you are a survivor or survivor ally, your voice matters. This research helps lay the groundwork for the field’s recovery and future policy wins. Spend 20 minutes sharing your voice and help build what comes next. Please share with your networks! Every survivor's story matters. Link in profile!
If you are worried about someone in your life... If you were hurt and you're not sure where to turn next... If the sexual violence and abuse we're seeing every day in the news feels too overwhelming... You don't have to go through it alone.
Reach out to a trusted friend, contact your local domestic violence or sexual assault support program, call a hotline, say the thing that you need to say, even if it's hard. You deserve to be seen, heard, and supported. Connection is a lifeline, and preventing violence begins in community.
We are heartbroken to share the passing of our beloved board member, Neelam Khaki.
Neelam served on the Coalition’s board for three terms, bringing a loving, thoughtful presence and a deep commitment to survivors, families, and communities across Washington. Just weeks ago, some of our staff had the honor of spending time with her at our recent board meeting where her grounded, generous, and powerful spirit helped us shape our work ahead.
Neelam dedicated her life to building safer, more compassionate communities. Through her work and leadership, she centered survivors, challenged harmful norms with care, and helped create spaces where people could learn, grow, and heal. She had a rare ability to speak difficult truths in ways that invited connection, and to move people toward change with gentleness and understanding.
Her impact on the Coalition, on the broader movement to end domestic and sexual violence, and on her community is immeasurable. We are holding Neelam’s children, loved ones, and community in our hearts during this time. We will miss her deeply and carry her vision forward. 💛
Prevention starts with everyday conversations! It can be hard to know where to start to talk about consent, relationships, sex, boundaries, or behavior that doesn’t feel right, but these conversations are part of how we change the culture around violence. You don’t need to say everything perfectly. Being willing to speak honestly and listen to each other is what makes change possible!
If you’re not sure where to start, check out our Sexual Assault Awareness Month page at wscadv.org/saam for resources!
We are joining more than 700 organizations, including victim service providers, advocacy organizations, and justice system partners from across the country, to urge Senate leadership to take action for survivors of violence.
The Crime Victims Fund is the main source of funding for services that support survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, child abuse, trafficking, and other crimes. But today, the CVF is nearly depleted, putting community safety and healing at risk.
Communities are already feeling the impact. Programs have been forced to reduce services and, in some cases, close their doors entirely. Without immediate action, more survivors will be left without the support they need to stay safe, heal, and rebuild their lives.
The Crime Victims Fund Stabilization Act offers a bipartisan, commonsense solution to stabilize the CVF using non-taxpayer dollars, ensuring continuity of services while Congress works toward a long-term fix.
We urge Senate leadership @leaderjohnthune@senschumer@senatorchuckgrassley@senatordurbin to pass the Crime Victims Fund Stabilization Act now. Survivors deserve support when they need it.
Our staff were grateful to spend Thursday and Friday together last week in Bellevue reflecting on the past several months, connecting, and envisioning the work ahead. 💜
You don’t have to have all the answers to make a difference.
When someone you care about shares something hard, what matters most is showing up, listening, believing them, and letting them know they’re not alone.
Prevention happens is the moments that we check in, interrupt something that feels off, and make it clear what we will and won’t accept.
This Sexual Assault Awareness Month, you can make a difference:
• Listen without judgment
• Believe survivors
• Respect boundaries and consent
• Speak up when something feels off
• Learn how to support someone in your life
You don’t have to be perfect, you just have to show up! Learn how to help a friend: wscadv.org/saam
