We improve systems so they work better for survivors and the community.
The Bellingham-Whatcom County Commission on Sexual & Domestic Violence is made up of government and community leaders to fulfill our responsibility to effectively prevent and respond to sexual and domestic violence.
Created in 1998 by a joint resolution between the City of Bellingham and Whatcom County, the Bellingham-Whatcom County Commission on Sexual & Domestic Violence inspires and coordinates community efforts to address sexual & domestic violence.
The Commission works with local agencies, government institutions, and community members to achieve change in systemic interventions and prevention of sexual and domestic violence by providing resources, training, and support. We do not provide direct services. We lead projects like our restorative justice pilot program, planning a county-wide Summit on Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and People (MMIWP), and leading case reviews of intimate partner homicides.
connecting institutions, stakeholders, & communities
The Commission connects institutions, stakeholders, and communities by:
Hosting engaging meetings with opportunities for learning, collaboration, and implementing meaningful change
Promoting learning opportunities for elected officials and community leaders
Promoting alignment and inclusion of Commission values and efforts within related community initiatives
Nurturing partnerships and solidarity with culturally-specific and grassroots organizations
transforming systems
The Commission transforms systems by:
Identifying and promoting policies and practices that increase safety, justice, healing, and accountability
Conducting and leveraging findings from audits, assessments, and fatality reviews
Creating and providing opportunities for education and tools to increase capacity of community professionals to build response and intervention skills
Compiling and sharing research and data to create dialogue and inform decision-making
fostering justice, autonomy, and well-being for survivors
The Commission fosters safety, justice, and well-being for survivors and communities by:
Identifying and supporting community coordinated response practices that center survivor voices
Seeking and including survivor input and experiences throughout Commission initiatives
Exploring and implementing transformative and restorative justice as applied to sexual and domestic violence
Supporting effective accountability for offenders, including accessible opportunities for meaningful change
“Transformational ideas move forward through collective power.”