The DOVE Project was started by locals to address the need for domestic violence support services on Vashon-Maury Island, Washington. Our goal is to provide information and resources across the Island to help survivors access services when and where they need them. We believe that this is the key to empowerment and survival. The DoVE Project also actively engages in community education on domestic violence and educational programs for teens to promote healthy relationships right from the start. The DOVE Project serves approximately 75 individuals yearly. HISTORY:
Original research conducted by the Vashon Healthy Community Network and an ad-hoc Domestic Violence Taskforce indicated that, like everywhere, Vashon is not immune to domestic violence. Without services available on the Island, survivors’ needs were not being met. In early 2000, an organization called Island Domestic Violence Outreach Service (IDVOS) was providing quality domestic violence services on Vashon Island, Washington. The organization imploded in a scandal that shook the Island - the Executive Director was charged and convicted of embezzling money. At that time, approximately 75 individuals per year were receiving services. IDVOS closed in 2005. In 2006, DAWN, a domestic violence service provider serving South King County, was asked by the County Executive to step in and provide services. They did so for two years, serving 75 individuals in their last year on Vashon. They were unable to continue due to insufficient funding from King County. It was an inefficient service model to send an advocate from Seattle to Vashon. Data from King County showed that fewer than 15 Islanders received services through off-Island King County providers. The reason for this decline is simple: survivors cannot easily evade their abusers long enough to leave Vashon to access services and the ferry system is cost prohibitive. The timeline of service provision illustrates succinctly that for Vashon Island survivors, services had to be provided on-Island to be effective. As it was too costly for DAWN to provide services here, it is also too costly for Islanders to commute via ferry for services.
