Although the YWCA Pierce County doesn’t employ police officers, firefighters or paramedics, their staff is comprised of first responders who provide services to Pierce County residents in crisis. The Tacoma YWCA’s mission is to transform the lives of domestic violence survivors through safety, healing and empowerment. They accomplish this goal through their emergency shelter, legal services, children’s programs and education options, which help break the cycle of abuse. “I took this job because we support systemic change,” says CEO Miriam Barnett. “We address all parts of the cycle.”
Domestic violence (DV) is about control and oppression. It doesn’t discriminate. It affects people in all walks of life and genders. That said, 95% of DV victims are women.
“Some of the biggest myths about domestic violence are that the behavior is caused by a drug or alcohol problem, that it only happens to families without resources and that the victim should just leave,” says Miriam. “People sometimes blame the victims for staying.” Most victims attempt to flee seven times. The victim is in the most danger during the attempt to escape.
If you know a victim of domestic abuse, Miriam suggests that you tell this person that you care, just listen and don’t blame the victim. When that person is ready for help, suggest the YWCA’s 24/7 hotline (253-383-2593) or email (crisis@ywcapiercecounty.org) where trained advocates can guide the victim to various resources. Some YWCA staff members speak Spanish. Interpreters are available for other languages.
Emergency Shelter
In 1976, Tacoma’s YWCA opened the first domestic violence shelter in Washington. The facility provides safe and confidential temporary housing to survivors and their children fleeing an immediately dangerous situation due to domestic violence. The building is secured with cameras and window bars.
The shelter preserves dignity and aids healing by providing clean, comfortable furnished individual apartments with bathrooms, kitchens and a children’s play yard. The 25-unit facility houses up to 75 adults and kids. Pets are welcome. Guests have access to a pantry stocked by the Emergency Food Network.
DV does not discriminate and neither does the YW. They accept all races, ethnicities, genders, gender identities or expressions, religions and sexual orientations. Guests can stay for up to 90 days. During this time, the YW partners with the Pierce County Housing Authority to try to find long-term, affordable housing for their clients. If they can’t find openings, they coordinate shelter swaps.
Legal Services
Legal services at the YWCA are free to Pierce County residents. Abusers often maintain power over their victims by controlling their housing, finances, access to their children or threatening their safety. Protection orders, divorces, parenting plans, child custody and spousal and child support help victims gain control.
The YW provides educated and trained professionals to help with such matters. Their current staff includes a full-time attorney for complicated cases, a paralegal, director, manager and handful of advocates for less complicated cases such as protection orders. Advocates are required to complete a six-week training program.
Photo credit: YWCA Pierce County
Victims can contact the legal department at 253-272-4181 from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Children’s Programs
The YWCA’s children’s and family services programs can help families learn what healthy love looks like and that hands are not for hitting. Their basic family support services include respite care for children zero to five years, case management and tangible item distribution. Their licensed child and family therapists provide trauma-focused behavioral therapy for victims and children. They offer individual and family therapy sessions, children’s support groups, workshops and training.
The YWCA kids’ programs promote healing and holistic growth through art and play. Children (and adults) express themselves through art. The YW partners with the Los Angeles-based organization A Window Between Worlds – Art Transforming Trauma – that shares this approach to healing. A gym, basketball courts and riding toys, group events and field trips provide recreational opportunities.
Children are separated by age groups. Groups include the Little Learners (0 to 5 years), Kids Club (6 to 12 years) and YOU Group (13 to 21 years). The YOU Group is a result of their 12-week “Healthy Love” course for middle and high school students. Each group has its own space in the facility decorated with murals of nurturing animals. The nature theme is no accident, says Miriam. “We teach kids that they can always trust the sun and the moon.”
Education
The YW offers free trainings on domestic violence to help educate businesses and community groups about the dynamics of power and control. If you would like more information or know a DV victim, help them get back their power by telling them about the YWCA Pierce County and their staff of helping heroes.
