creating a community safe from physical, emotional, and sexual violence and control

The Bellingham-Whatcom County Commission Against Domestic Violence (BWWCADV) was created in 1998 by a joint resolution between the City of Bellingham and Whatcom County to provide leadership in the community’s efforts to reduce and prevent domestic violence.

The DV Commission works with local agencies, government institutions, and community members to achieve change in the systems’ response to domestic violence by providing resources, support, and technical assistance.

community-based solutions

We strive to raise awareness and to integrate effective responses to domestic violence into the various sectors of our community.

We work to achieve best-practice responses to domestic violence within a multitude of disciplines including civil and criminal justice, health care, social services, schools, faith based groups, businesses, and the media.

victim safety and offender accountability

We provide leadership to create community responses to domestic violence that ensure safe, empowering, and accessible alternatives for victims, while holding perpetrators accountable for their actions and offering them options for long-term change.