SafeChoice Domestic Violence Program

The SafeChoice Program advocates for, educates, and supports those affected by domestic violence. SafeChoice has been a leader in providing domestic violence services to Clark County since 1974. In addition to operating the only domestic violence shelter serving Clark County, SafeChoice offers a wide array of services to respond to the immediate needs of victim-survivors in our community.

Domestic violence can happen to anyone, regardless of age, educational background, income level, religion, ethnicity, and sexual and gender identity. Domestic violence is abusive behavior used to gain power and control over an intimate partner. Abuse takes many forms; it can be physical, emotional, sexual, or financial. It is a learned behavior, and is not caused by anger, drugs or alcohol, or stress.

The SafeChoice Program empowers survivors by providing information, resources, and support to increase safety and foster healing. We collaborate with community partners to offer resources that are survivor-centered, providing participants tools to change their lives and heal. SafeChoice services are free and confidential. We strive to offer inclusive and accessible programs for survivors of diverse cultures, backgrounds, experiences, and lifestyles.

The SafeChoice Domestic Violence Program recognizes that people of all genders and sexualities experience domestic violence—even though these voices have historically been left out of the domestic violence movement. Since everyone’s journey is diverse and complex, SafeChoice has an LGBTQ+ domestic violence advocate that is specially trained to support LGBTQ+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, queer, and/or questioning) domestic violence survivors navigate their unique needs and experiences.

If you feel unsafe or are otherwise questioning your health and safety with your partner(s), we are here to help. You are not alone. SafeChoice knows that the decision to continue or leave a relationship is intensely personal— we will be beside you to support you no matter what your decision is.

You may be experiencing domestic violence if your partner does any of the following:

• Insults you, in public or in private

• Monitors your whereabouts and contact with others

• Puts down your friends and family

• Tells you jealousy is a sign of love

• Destroys your belongings

• Blocks exits during arguments

• Controls your access to money, transportation, or cell phone

• Threatens to hurt you, people you care about, or your pets

• Forces you to have sex

• Touches you in ways that hurt or scare you

• Tells you that the abuse is your fault, and that your fears are not important

If you think you may be experiencing domestic violence, there are many ways the YWCA Clark County SafeChoice Program can help. Whether you are planning to leave an abusive relationship, or want to learn more about the cycle of violence, SafeChoice can help increase your safety.

Some services include:

24/7 crisis line 360-695-0501

Emergency domestic violence shelter

One-on-one advocacy

Legal assistance (ex. guidance filing a Domestic Violence Protection Order)

Safety Planning

Support groups

Information and resource referral

For more information, please call our front desk at 360-695-0501, or visit during walk in hours, Monday to Thursday, 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM (closed 12:00 - 1:00 for lunch) at 3609 Main Street.