SPOKANE, Wash. — The YWCA reports cases of domestic violence in Spokane County are growing more severe, with the organization seeing a significant surge in calls to its helpline.
The organization received roughly 5,000 calls for help last year, up approximately 1,000 from the prior year. Beyond the volume increase, the YWCA has identified a troubling shift: cases are becoming more severe.
“Especially this year, we are seeing people in really high acuity situations,” said Briana Berner, Director of Philanthropy at the YWCA. “So they are really struggling financially which puts additional stress on the domestic violence and the relationship where there is that power and control dynamic.”
The financial strain is driving more people to seek legal assistance. The YWCA’s legal services division has tripled the number of people it serves this past year.
According to the YWCA, Spokane County ranks among the highest in the state for domestic violence rates. Local police respond to approximately 237 domestic violence calls each month, underscoring the prevalence of the issue.
This October, the YWCA is observing Domestic Violence Action Month, a critical time to educate the community and support survivors. The organization is encouraging people to take concrete steps to help.
The YWCA has developed a DVAM Action Kit available on its website that includes domestic violence facts, posters for display, and educational training opportunities.
Free online training sessions are also available through the YWCA and open to anyone interested in learning how to support domestic violence survivors. These sessions are designed for community members seeking practical knowledge.
Finally, on October 22, the YWCA is hosting an Impact Tour from 5 to 7 p.m. at 930 North Monroe Street in Spokane. The tour allows participants to speak directly with program staff members who share information about their daily work, current challenges, and success stories. A question-and-answer session follows the presentations.
If you are interested in learning more about the YWCA and services it provides, visit ywcaspokane.org.
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