SafeChoice Domestic Violence Program
For Immediate Assistance
Call our 24-hr domestic violence hotline
Local: 360-695-0501 (We accept collect calls)
Toll-free: 800-695-0167
For life-threatening situations call: 911
- About SafeChoice
- How We Serve the LGBTQ+ Community
- Warning Signs of Abuse
- Services We Offer
- How Can I Help?
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.
Our 24-hour crisis hotline is available for education about domestic violence, emotional support, safety planning, and referrals to community resources.
Advocates at our Community Office are available to meet one-on-one, on a walk-in basis or by appointment.
Walk-In hours are between 9 AM – 12 PM on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays, excluding holidays. Call 360-696-0167 for more information or to speak to an advocate.
In advocacy appointments, advocates can work with you to develop a personalized safety plan, provide education on domestic violence, and give information and referrals to relevant community resources. Advocates can also provide assistance with Domestic Violence Protection Orders and accompaniment to the Protection Order hearings at the Clark County Courthouse. Advocacy services are available in English and Spanish, or through an interpreter in additional languages.
Our gender inclusive domestic violence shelter provides emergency shelter for victim-survivors leaving abusive relationships. Survivors and their pet(s) may stay up to 60 days in our secure shelter, and have access to 24-hour advocacy support during their stay. The shelter provides a Children’s Advocacy Program to engage children in fun, educational activities while parents make progress towards obtaining permanent housing and other self-defined goals. Parents may also access the Family Support Specialist to learn more about the effects of domestic violence on their children and increase their parenting skills.
SUPPORT GROUPS ARE CURRENTLY SUSPENDED – Support groups provide weekly support for survivors of emotional, physical, or verbal abuse, and are open on a drop-in basis. Gender inclusive and women-only support groups are available, and childcare is provided.
The SafeChoice Program teaches a ten-week class on domestic violence. Pre-registration is required and a fee-waiver is available as needed. Childcare is provided.
A printable PDF of all SafeChoice services is available here.
For more information about any of our services, please call YWCA Clark County at 360-696-0167. We do accept collect calls.
Domestic violence impacts our entire community, and we rely on community support to provide essential services to thousands of victim-survivors each year. Learn more about ways to donate or to volunteer.
Community education and prevention are a vital part of our work to end domestic violence. Learn more information about our outreach and prevention activities.