Domestic Violence Prevention Program:

Contact:    Chris

                  206.973.4933  chrisp@ci.seatac.wa.us 

Warning: Computers are not secure for confidentiality when you make a connection with e-mail or another site, even if you delete your activity.  Anyone with computer skills can track your activity through numerous other "histories" left in the computer hard drive.  Use your computer with caution for information and resources if you are living in a violent domestic relationship.

The City has one Community Advocate under contract to assist victims of domestic violence and their children with safety planning. The advocate provides intake interviews, accompaniment to court proceedings, problem solving and other services.

If you are a victim of domestic violence, please call the SeaTac Domestic Violence Prevention Program:

Location: Confidential location in the City of SeaTac
Hours:  Monday: 9:00 am to 9:00 pm
            Tuesday: 9:00 am to 11:30 am and 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm
            Friday:     9:00 am to 6:00 pm

Services Offered: Emotional support, safety planning, community education, court accompaniment, resources and referrals, clothing and food bank information, support group referrals, and 24-hour crisis line information. 

What is domestic violence? Domestic violence occurs when there is abuse of a partner in an intimate relationship. It can affect anyone anywhere – it doesn’t matter if you are rich or poor, black or white, Catholic or Jewish, etc. – it can happen to you, but it is not your fault.

There are different forms of abuse, although all forms are used to establish power and control over another person. One form of abuse is physical, which is the easiest to see. Another form is emotional/verbal, which is used to make individuals feel bad about themselves, to embarrass them, to convince them they are going crazy. The goal of the abuser is to make their partner doubt themselves, so that they can be made to feel very dependent on the person who is abusing them.

Safety Plan. Come up with a safety plan before any violence happens. Rehearse your plan, and teach your children what to do if violence occurs. Protect yourself by NEVER telling your safety plan to your partner.

• Stay in safe places in your home that are the lowest risk to your safety. Avoid the kitchen, garage, and places with weapons, or any room with only one entrance (door or window).
• Have an overnight bag packed so that you can leave at any time. The bag will contain extra clothes and medication, as well as a list of social security numbers, birth certificates, bank account numbers, insurance policies, your marriage license, and important phone numbers.
• If you feel comfortable and it is safe, tell neighbors about what is happening and ask them to call 911 if they hear suspicious noises coming from your home.
• If there are guns or knives in your home, remove them if it is safe. If not, then:

• Make sure the gun remains unloaded at all times (only remove the bullets if you know how to do so safely).
• During an explosive situation, stay out of rooms where weapons are kept.
• Move knives out of their usual location so that your partner will have trouble finding them quickly.
• Remember that cleaning a gun or knife in front of you is a threat, and may imply that your partner is capable of taking your life or hurting your children.
• Remember that almost anything can be used as a weapon.

• Use your best judgment and intuition about a violent situation. It is important that you protect yourself and your children until you are out of danger.

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Batterers use controlling behavior and physical violence because they have learned that it can control their partners. Domestic abuse is not a one-time event, but is an ongoing pattern of behavior. The following is a list of behaviors that serve as warning signs and may indicate abusive behavior. Any one of these behaviors alone may not indicate a batterer, but when used together to control you, it is cause for concern. If you see your partner in this list of behaviors, talk to a friend or seek help from a domestic violence agency. No one deserves to be abused.

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Chris, Community Advocate 
 206.973.4933 

chrisp@ci.seatac.wa.us

© 2002 City of SeaTac.  All rights reserved.