Seattle is taking a stand against domestic violence with Mayor Bruce Harrell and the City Council declaring October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month. In solidarity, city employees donned purple apparel for "Purple Thursday" to show support for survivors, as reported by Mayor Harrell's office. Domestic Violence Awareness Month has been recognized each October since 1987, with the aim to shed light on this pervasive issue, honor those who have endured it, and bolster the resources necessary to cultivate a community devoid of such violence.
Mayor Harrell emphasized the importance of community action and investment in community partners to assist survivors. "Domestic Violence Awareness Month is a time to honor victims and survivors, raise awareness about available resources, and reflect on the steps we as a community need to take to stop this traumatic and violent behavior," Harrell remarked. Councilmember Debora Juarez also highlighted the city's commitment to supporting organizations like The Seattle Women's Commission and Seattle Indian Health Board, as per the announcement from Harrell's office. Juarez stated, "You can judge a society by how they treat their women and children through laws, policies and protections."
The City of Seattle invests $15 million yearly into community-based services, aiding over 7,500 survivors and their families. According to Tanya Kim, Director of the Human Services Department, the city's trauma-informed approach is a reminder of everyone’s role in addressing domestic violence, as stated by Mayor Harrell's office. On average, Washington State’s domestic violence hotlines received more than 30 contacts per hour in 2024, and there were 45 domestic violence-associated homicides recorded statewide that year.
One of Seattle's pioneering initiatives, the Paid Sick and Safe Time (PSST) Ordinance, continues to champion worker protections, especially for those affected by domestic violence. This ordinance mandates paid leave for workers dealing with the fallout of domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking. Steven Marchese, Director of the Office of Labor Standards, highlighted how PSST helps lessen the stigma and permits individuals to prioritize their safety without income loss, citing information from the Mayor's office.
Furthermore, the Seattle Women’s Commission has put forth a proclamation to bring attention to the impact of gender-based violence on immigrant and refugee communities. "Domestic violence disproportionately affects immigrant communities, specially those displaced by war, violence or from patriarchal societies," said Naseem Ghazanfari, a Seattle Women’s Commissioner. Ghazanfari's comments were part of the broader efforts detailed by Mayor Harrell's office in their proclamation.
In a move to both honor survivors and promote ongoing efforts against domestic violence, the Seattle Women’s Commission and the Mayor’s Office on Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence are hosting a public event on Tuesday, Oct. 28, in the City Hall’s Bertha Knight Landes Room. Access to support for individuals in need remains a priority, with available resources such as the National Domestic Violence Hotline and the 24/7 DVHopeline for confidential assistance.
