DVSAS History

Our History

Originally Volunteers Against Violence (VAV) on San Juan Island joined forces with Island Citizens Against Domestic Violence (ICADA) on Orcas Island and created the 501c3 nonprofit agency today known as Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Services of the San Juan Islands (DV/SA Services, AKA DVSAS). These grassroots' volunteer organizations were dedicated and responsible for establishing one agency throughout the county to provide services to victims/survivors of domestic violence. Grants sponsored by the Federal Government's Violence Against Women Act (VAWA grants) and Office of Crime Victims Advocacy were applied for and received in July and October 1996. In January 1997 DVSAS opened their doors, hired staff and support groups began for victims of domestic violence.

An application was requested by original Board President, Pat Reveles from the State of Washington's Department of Social And Health Services (DSHS) to provide funding for a domestic violence program in San Juan County and was approved July 1997. Additional funding was received from DSHS, which provided another office located on Lopez Island, additional staff person, a bookkeeper and volunteer coordinator were hired. In August 1998, DVSAS' Board hired the Executive Director, Anita Castle to administer programs, supervise staff, provide direct and specialized services (therapy) to domestic violence and sexual assault/abuse victims and manage Orcas, San Juan and Lopez Islands' offices.

In July 1999, the Executor Director applied for funding from the Office of Crime and Victim Advocacy (OCVA) to provide services for victims of sexual assault and sexual abuse. In January 2000, DVSAS became a State Certified Sexual Assault Program (CSAP) after completing and passing a state accreditation process. Since then, DVSAS has completed three accreditations and is preparing for its fourth. A sexual assault program provides direct services, outreach/prevention education, volunteer and specialized trainings and specialized services to primary and secondary victims of sexual assault/abuse.

Currently, DVSAS has developed and added a new program called Family Options under its umbrella. This program will provide individual and family counseling for children, parents and adults who are experiencing high conflict in their relationships but has not yet escalated into domestic violence. The program's ultimate goal is breaking the cycle of violence and preventing child abuse. DVSAS continues to think, develop and create innovative programs that will help abuse victims in their healing process. DVSAS' Advocates empower clients to recognized their strengths and weaknesses, and teaches each client that she/he has the capacity to change, to grow and to develop healthy choices that allows them to thrive and live safely in their relationships.