History

We rise to make a difference, we rise for domestic peace

As a result of the courage and perseverance of two domestic violence survivors, DAWN has been able to help thousands of women in need. But we would not be here today without the support of our volunteers, donors, community partners, and friends. Because of the generosity of the South King County community, DAWN continues to provide a multitude of programs and services to empower, protect and shelter survivors.

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1980

In 1980 two domestic violence survivors were attempting to find help for a friend who was also a victim of domestic violence. Although these women contacted numerous social service agencies in South King County, they could not find a provider that specialized in domestic violence. The two women began talking to city officials, police officers, and other community based organizations and all agreed that South King County needed a domestic violence provider – and DAWN was born.

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1981

In 1981, DAWN filed for incorporation and 501(c)(3) status, implemented crisis line services, and held a volunteer recruitment/community education workshop in Enumclaw. The workshop resulted in a new program with volunteers offering “safe homes” to women and children for a three day stay.This program became essential to DAWN’s operation and to women and children in the greatest need of protection.

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1982

In the spring of 1982, DAWN moved to a space that was large enough to house the agency’s first support groups and childcare services. A year later, the agency began operating two phone lines and had a staff of six. Services continued expanding to include a legal advocate who did court accompaniments, answered procedural questions, helped women get protection orders, made referrals to attorneys, and coordinated pro bono legal clinics.

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1993

In 1993, the DAWN opened an emergency shelter. The location of the shelter was, and is to this day, confidential in order to protect the safety of victims, their children and DAWN staff members.

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Today

Today, DAWN is contracted with the Department of Social and Health Services throughout King County, offers CSO advocacy, mobile advocacy, immigrant advocacy, campus prevention, domestic violence institute training, and mental health services. With 25+ staff members and interns, DAWN continues to spread agency awareness through community outreach and community education.

MISSION
At DAWN, we stand with all survivors of domestic abuse, help them rebuild their lives, and strive to make our communities safer by preventing and addressing violence through education and advocacy.

VISION
We envision peaceful homes and communities that believe violence is preventable and act together to make that happen.