Crime victim services are not optional, and the state budget is falling short | Opinion

We believe that people who survive domestic violence, sexual assault, child abuse and other crimes should not have to endure ongoing trauma and that help should be there when they reach out. And we believe you do, too.

That commitment matters deeply here in Whatcom County and across our state. But the true test of that promise comes not in words, but in our state budget, where our commitment to our community is either sustained or quietly withdrawn.

Crime victim services are not optional support. They are essential public safety infrastructure that our community relies on every day. When funding is unstable, services don’t slowly shrink — they disappear in real time. Survivors receive less ongoing support, longer wait times when needing immediate access to safety planning, and are left without advocacy when it matters most — in the courtroom, at the hospital, while considering the safety needs of their children.

Here in Whatcom County, Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Services (DVSAS) shows up every day: 365 days a year, 24 hours a day. In 2025, we served more than 1,100 clients with crisis intervention, legal and medical advocacy, housing support, support groups and more than 1,200 students through our prevention education — all free of charge. These services make a measurable difference in people’s lives. They help survivors get through a hospital visit after an assault. They help parents access safe housing after fleeing violence. They help provide individuals with an understanding of their legal rights and navigate the court process. They help young people learn what safe, respectful relationships look like. But all that work depends on stable, adequate funding.

When state support wavers, the social safety net frays. It’s not abstract. Real people in Whatcom County find themselves with fewer options and longer waits. At the exact moment someone decides to reach out for help — often amidst fear, confusion, and danger — they deserve an answer on the first call.

DVSAS advocates show up — day in and day out — because our community needs this support. But the system itself has not always shown up in the way families and individuals need. That’s why we are asking the Washington State Legislature to include $21.3 million in the State Fiscal Year 2027 budget to stabilize crime victim services statewide and prevent the permanent loss of access to critical support. We are not asking for an increase in funding or for new initiatives. This request for $21.3 million merely allows DVSAS and our partner agencies across the state to continue providing services for crime victims for another year.

“The forensic care program at PeaceHealth St. Joseph Medical Center is stronger because of our partnership with DVSAS,” said Michelle Gillig, forensics coordinator at PeaceHealth St. Joseph Medical Center. “Their advocates bring compassion, expertise, and a steady presence during some of the most vulnerable moments in a survivor’s life. They stand beside survivors in real time, helping them feel heard, supported, and less alone, while reassuring both the patient and the forensic nurse that a thoughtful plan for safety and follow-up is in place. This collaboration helps create a circle of care that extend far beyond the exam room.”

This investment is not a line item that can be trimmed when times get tight. It’s infrastructure that keeps people safer, supports community wellbeing, and reduces long-term public costs by offering support early rather than after harm deepens. When survivors have access to consistent help — whether through crisis response, legal advocacy, housing support, or prevention education — our whole community is stronger.

“Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Services (DVSAS) is a lifeline for survivors — their trained staff and coordinated services save lives and reduce repeat victimization,” said Whatcom County Sheriff Donnell “Tank” Tanksley. “Continued appropriate state funding is not charity; it’s a public safety investment that protects families and strengthens our community.”

Our commitment in Whatcom County remains steady. We will continue to answer calls, open doors, and walk alongside people navigating some of the most difficult moments of their lives. Including $21.3 million in the SFY27 budget would send a clear message: Washington stands behind the promise that survivors should not have to do this work alone.

Will you join us in asking our elected officials to make sure our state budget reflects our values — and ensure that help will truly be there when someone reaches out?

Elizabeth Hart, Marjie George, Meghan Tinsley, Miranda Morris are co-executive directors of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Services of Whatcom County. Michelle Gillig is forensics coordinator at PeaceHealth St. Joseph Medical Center. Donnell “Tank” Tanksley is Whatcom County Sheriff, and Kim Lund is mayor of Bellingham.