The Bellingham-Whatcom County Commission Against Domestic Violence was created on December 1, 1998 to provide leadership in the community’s effort to reduce and prevent domestic violence. The Commission is a joint effort by the City of Bellingham and Whatcom County, the purpose of which is determined in the City of Bellingham Ordinance No. 1998-11-084 and Whatcom County Ordinance No. 98-072.

• What can a victim of domestic violence expect when they call 911 for help and the criminal justice system initiates its response?

• What can a health care provider do or say if they learn that their patient has been injured and assaulted by an intimate partner?

• What can a teacher do if they notice that a student is dating someone who is jealous, controlling, and physically rough?

How can we as a community respond to these and similar situations and ensure safety for victims, accountability for offenders, and ultimately, change the community climate to one that does not tolerate domestic violence?

Designing effective community responses to the problem of domestic violence is a very complex task. The Bellingham-Whatcom County Commission Against Domestic Violence was created to work with the community in recommending and assisting in the development and implementation of consistent practices and responses that centralize victim safety and offender accountability.

The Commission works with local agencies, institutions, and community members by providing
• resources,
• support, and
• technical assistance.

Together, we will reduce and prevent domestic violence in Whatcom County.