About Us

About Us

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Mission Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Services (DVSAS) of the San Juan Islands is a non-profit agency whose mission is the prevention and elimination of domestic violence and sexual assault through victim services, education, community awareness and cultural and social change. The agency serves people regardless of race, gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity, age or social economic status. Our Certifications and Approach DVSAS is a Certified Sexual Assault Program. We are 1 out of 41 in the state of Washington. Our agency advocates for social change by addressing community conditions which adversely affect sexual abuse-assault victims/survivors and with other agencies working toward the elimination of sexual violence. Our philosophy is based on social change vs. a social service agency. A social change organization is an organization that seeks to eradicate a given societal problem or issue through fundamental change while seeking to ameliorate the pain and suffering of individuals affected by the given societal problem. Whereas, a social service organization is an organization that seeks to reduce and/or end the pain and suffering of individuals affected by a given societal problem or issue. DVSAS Believes No one deserves to be physically or sexually abused. Domestic violence and sexual assault are crimes. Options and alternatives are available. The utilization of the police, judicial system and community-based programs can stop the cycle of domestic abuse and the continuance of sexual assault. Services 24 hour crisis line Crisis intervention Emergency shelter and transportation One-on-one advocacy and counseling Information and referral Community education and prevention programs Therapy Staff

Executive Director	Anita Castle, M.S.	Orcas, San Juan
Fiscal Manager	Debra Maden	Orcas
Fiscal Consultant	Ann Lister	Orcas
Legal Advocate	Jan Osborn	San Juan
Volunteer Coordinator, Community Advocate	Patty Brightman	San Juan
Community Advocate	Susan (Suzi) Marean	Lopez
Community Advocate	Mary Nash	Orcas
Community Advocate/ Legal Advocate	Melissa Davies	Orcas
Prevention Coordinator Youth Advocate	Krista Stahl	Orcas/San Juan
Spanish Interpreter	Max Crispi	Orcas/San Juan
Volunteer	Dawn Parnell	Orcas
Board of Directors

President
Vice President	Lisa Wolford	Orcas
Treasurer	Brent Johnson	San Juan
Secretary
Member	Karla Horwitz	Orcas
Member	Laurie Gallo	Orcas
Member	Linda Henry	San Juan
Member	Aaimee Johnson	San Juan
Member	Angie Lausch	Lopez
Member	Elvira Smith	San Juan
President Emeritus	Norm Stamper	Orcas
Affiliations We are a member of the Washington State Coalition Against Sexual Assault and Washington State Coalition Against Domestic Violence, Soroptimist International Friday Harbor, San Juan County Community Network, Orcas Island Prevention Partnership, San Juan County Round Table and San Juan County Child Protective Team. Funding DVSAS is a 501(c)3 nonprofit. Funding received from the Violence Against Women's Act through the Office of Crime Victims Advocacy and Department of Social and Health Services and, for website development, from Soroptimist International of Friday Harbor. We also receive funding from a variety of organizations and individuals committed to helping people develop healthy caring relationships, and community donors. If you would like to make a charitable contribution, please contact us via email or phone. We welcome an opportunity to show you how we are making a difference. > Make a donation

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Teen Advocate

County-Wide (360) 376-5979

24 Hour Crisis Line

Orcas Island (360) 376-1234

San Juan Island (360) 378-2345

Lopez Island (360) 468-4567

Specialized Services

Our counseling services are available at no charge and are accessible through the crisis line or by appointment with the staff counselor. Services for victims of sexual assault and their family members and friends may be provided immediately following an assault or at any later date. For cases where the victim has specific, individual needs, including those of male victims, family and friends, DVSAS maintains volunteers and referral sources with diverse expertise.

Education

DVSAS provides in-service training and special workshops to clinics, law enforcement agencies, mental health centers and other professionals who provide services to sexual assault victims. This training is designed to provide a greater awareness and sensitivity to the issues of sexual assault and also to increase the technical skills required in their work with victims.

Prevention

DVSAS provides speakers to address the many issues related to sexual assault. Prevention programs on a variety of topics are available to civic groups, schools, women's groups, churches, community agencies and others as requested. There is no charge for the service.

Volunteerism

Volunteers have a variety of opportunities and interests at DVSAS. Direct service work to victims by carrying a pager and providing support for DVSAS' 24-hour help line. Non-direct service needed by helping in office, joining board, fundraising and other activities needed by director. Training is tailored made to fit the needs of volunteer from 3 hours to full 42 hours of specialized training on domestic abuse and sexual assault. Applications are available at his DVSAS offices, or from any DVSAS staff member.