Four Ways to Help Ensure Essential Services in Washington State (Q1 2025)
February 2025
As funding challenges loom, your support is crucial to maintain life-saving services for survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and other crimes in Washington State. Join the YWCA Clark County in four ways YOU can make a difference and take action becoming and advocate in your local community.
1. Support SB 5362/HB 1487
These bills propose a critical $50 million investment in crime victim services for the upcoming biennium. While bipartisan support exists, your voice is essential to ensure passage.
Take Action: Contact your elected officials and express your support for SB 5362/HB 1487. Emphasize the importance of stable funding for victim services in your community.
2. Send Personalized Letter to Governor Bob Ferguson
Governor Bob Ferguson released a budget priority of $4 billion in reduced spending at a time when federal VOCA (victims of crime funding) is already being cut. This could result in closure of essential, life-saving domestic violence services.
Take Action: Use the e-message form to send a personalized version of this template:
Letter template:
Dear Governor Ferguson,
I'm deeply concerned about the expiration of funding for victim services programs on June 30th, 2025. These programs are crucial for survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, child abuse, and other crimes. Without ongoing funding, many essential services will be reduced or closed.
Please ensure that $50 million per biennium is included in the State budget to protect the community safety net for victims of violence, abuse, and crime. If additional revenue is necessary, I urge you to take steps to secure it. Your support can make a significant difference in the lives of many vulnerable individuals.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Contact Information]
3. Back Rent Stabilization Bills
We need your support to pass the Rent Stabilization bills HB1217 and SB5222. These bills need additional backing from Clark County districts 17, 18, 20, and 49 to move forward. Sign in support of these bills and share with friends, family, and neighbors.
These bills focus on affordability for families and help lower and middle-income families afford to stay in their homes. They help to prevent displacement and improved tenant-landlord relationships.
Key Points:
Limits rent and fee increases to 7% during any 12-month period
Prohibits increases during the first 12 months
Limits move-in fees, security deposits, and late fees
Take Action: Sign SWEC’s support action link to add your voice in support of these bills and share with your network.
4. Stay Informed on Domestic Violence Legislation
Review State Senator Dhingra's press conference summarizing and highlighting legislation and funding aimed at reducing gender-based violence and supporting survivors. Overall the press conference highlights the WSCADV 2025 Legislative Summary of legislation introduced this session that would impact survivors of domestic violence.
Several bills addressing gender-based violence and survivor support are currently under consideration:
SB 5362/HB 1487: Victims of Crime Act funding (top priority)
HB 1736: Procedures for reporting and investigating missing persons
SB 5356: Criminal justice training commission improvements
SB 5355: Supporting student survivors of sexual assault in higher education
SB 5105/HB 1169: Addressing sexually explicit depictions of minors
SB 5202: Enhancing judicial orders as harm reduction tools
HB 1484: Exceptional sentences for rape resulting in pregnancy
HB 1265: Addressing commercial sexual exploitation
HB 1591: Remedies for defendant survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, or human trafficking
HB 1498: Domestic violence co-responder programs
Take Action: Review the legislation on the above list WSCADV 2025 Legislative Summary and sign up for their action alerts.
New to advocacy? For advocacy basics, consult WSCADV's Advocacy Guide.
Your engagement is vital to ensure the continuation of essential services for survivors in Washington State. By taking these actions, you contribute to a safer, more supportive community for all.