Domestic Violence and Abuse

As a district, Pierce College has taken critical steps to protect our community and prevent the continued spread of COVID-19. While it is critically important for all of us to continue to follow directives to stay at home during this time, staying at home and experiencing social isolation may create an increased risk for those in abusive relationships who are sheltering in place with their abuser.

Controlling, abusive behavior can occur between people of all races, ages, sexual orientations, religions and genders. It can occur between people of all socioeconomic backgrounds and education levels. It happens between people who are married, dating, divorced, living together and broken up.  Signs of abuse can be subtle and abusive patterns of behavior can sneak up on you so slowly that they may start to feel normal.

The following links can help you understand what abusive relationships and behavior can look like:

Pierce College is committed to continuing to support our students, staff and faculty who are affected by all forms of sexual violence, including relationship violence. All college support and reporting services continue to be available during the stay in place order, including emotional support, assistance with safety planning and assistance with workplace, and academic housing accommodations. We are committed to providing services to our community members regardless of where they happen to be physically located during this unprecedented time.

No one should be abused. You deserve to be in a relationship where you and your family feel safe. If you are in an abusive relationship, or think you might be, there are people at Pierce College and in the community who can help. The following list of resources are available to those in need.

Resources

Immediate Help

National Domestic Violence Hotline - 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year, the National Domestic Violence Hotline provides essential tools and support to help survivors of domestic violence so they can live their lives free of abuse.  Contacts to The Hotline can expect highly-trained, expert advocates to offer free, confidential, and compassionate support, crisis intervention information, education, and referral services in over 200 languages.
Phone: 1-800-799-SAFE (7233)

College Resources

Pierce College Counselors - Confidential counseling services are available free of charge to enrolled students at Pierce College. Our faculty counselors are licensed mental health counselors for the state of Washington, and provide a wide range of services, including crisis intervention. 

Pierce College Title IX Office - Title IX is a federal law which prohibits discrimination in education based upon gender, which includes relationship violence.  If your abuser is also a Pierce College student or employee, we may be able to help. Even if your abuser is not a Pierce College student or employee, we are able to offer you support, resources, and take measures to increase your safety on campus.  To learn more about Title IX or to make a complaint against a student or employee please visit our website.
Phone: Sean Cooke, Pierce College Title IX Coordinator, 253-840-8472

Pierce Advocacy and Resource Connections - Pierce College maintains an excellent list of college and community resources available to students who may be experiencing challenges.  The list contains resources related to food, housing, emergency funding, physical and mental health, legal support, transportation and childcare just to name a few.

Community Resources:

YWCA Pierce County - YWCA Pierce County provides assistance to survivors of domestic violence and their children. All survivors are welcome regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, gender identity or expression, religion, or sexual orientation. Bilingual staff and interpretation services eliminate language barriers and ease transitions for all of our clients.
Phone: 253-383-2593 (available 24/7)

Crystal Judson Family Justice Center - If you, or someone you know is experiencing domestic abuse, the Crystal Judson Family Justice Center is here to help. You’ll find all the professional support and resources you need under one roof. Professionals from a wide variety of social service and government agencies have joined together to work at the Center to offer help and support to clients as they determine their next steps.
Phone: 253-798-4166 or 800-764-2420