The DV Commission creates reports, resources, and other publications to inform the community on issues related to domestic violence.  These publications are guides that our community can use as we continue to develop best-practice community-coordinated responses to domestic violence.

NEW AND NOTEWORTHY

	DV in the Workplace Policy, Procedures, and Guidelines
	This policy, procedures, and guidelines were developed by the DV Commission in coordination with local human resource professionals, and were reviewed by an employment attorney. You can adapt the template to meet the needs of your business or agency. If you do plan to adopt a DV in the Workplace policy, please contact the DV Commission at mail@dvcommission.org or 360.312.5700 for important policy updates, training on DV in the workplace, assistance with modifying the policy and procedures, and for formal recognition by the DV Commission on your workplace's efforts to be a part of our community's efforts to end domestic violence. DOWNLOAD February 2012
	Dating and Domestic Violence: A Resource and Information Handbook
	This 4th edition of Dating and Domestic Violence: A Resource and Information handbook, published in January 2012, contains information about domestic and dating violence, including local, state, and national resources. It is a useful tool for professionals as well as for victims and perpetrators. DOWNLOAD January 2012
	Small Cities Report of Whatcom County 2005-2010
	Domestic Violence indicators for the years 2005-2010 includes five separate reports for the City of Blaine, Cities of Everson-Nooksack, City of Ferndale, City of Lynden and City of Sumas. All of these reports contain the following indicators: domestic violence offenses and verbals as reported by law enforcement; domestic violence misdemeanor charges filed with resolution status and categories of crime; felony domestic violence case filings and disposition status; and numbers of unduplicated defendants per year. DOWNLOAD December 2011
	Domestic Violence in Whatcom County 1998-2010
	This report details domestic violence indicators in Whatcom County from 1998 through 2010. It includes data on domestic violence offenses and verbal offenses as reported to law enforcement; domestic violence charges, both misdemeanors and felonies, with resolutions; and numbers of victims served by victim service providers and perpetrator treatment providers. The report uses graphs, tables, and narrative to describe the data as well as to describe patterns that have emerged over the 12-year time period for which we have this data. DOWNLOAD October 2011
	DV Commission Strategic Plan 2012 – 2014
	This is the strategic plan for the DV Commission for 2012 through 2014. This is a guiding document that gives direction to the DV Commission during the three years it is in effect; however, the DV Commission is open to pursuing other appropriate opportunities that arise, and may not pursue some initiatives if they are not feasible due to resource limitation. This plan was developed using in put from the DV Commission's Community Domestic Violence Survey which was conducted in June and July 2011, and was approved by the full Domestic Violence Commission on October 4, 2011. Anyone who is interested in learning more about the strategic plan or participating in the DV Commission's efforts should contact the DV Commission Director. DOWNLOAD October 2011

PAST ASSETS

	Annual Reports
	Data Reports
	Fatality Review Reports
	Policies Procedures And Protocols
	Resource Guides
	Safety Audit Reports
	Victim Input

	Annual Reports
	2011 Annual Report and Key Activities
	This annual report describes the key activities of the DV Commission in 2011. DOWNLOAD January 2012
	DV Commission Strategic Plan 2012 – 2014
	This is the strategic plan for the DV Commission for 2012 through 2014. This is a guiding document that gives direction to the DV Commission during the three years it is in effect; however, the DV Commission is open to pursuing other appropriate opportunities that arise, and may not pursue some initiatives if they are not feasible due to resource limitation. This plan was developed using in put from the DV Commission's Community Domestic Violence Survey which was conducted in June and July 2011, and was approved by the full Domestic Violence Commission on October 4, 2011. Anyone who is interested in learning more about the strategic plan or participating in the DV Commission's efforts should contact the DV Commission Director. DOWNLOAD October 2011
	2009 Annual Report
	An annual review of the work of the Bellingham-Whatcom County Commission Against Domestic Violence, including a financial statement and a message from the Commission Chair. DOWNLOAD January 2010
	2008 Annual Report
	An annual review of the work of the Bellingham-Whatcom County Commission Against Domestic Violence, including a financial statement and a message from the Commission Chair. DOWNLOAD January 2009
	2007 Annual Report
	An annual review of the work of the Bellingham-Whatcom County Commission Against Domestic Violence, including a financial statement and a message from the Commission Chair. DOWNLOAD January 2008
	2006 Annual Report
	An annual review of the work of the Bellingham-Whatcom County Commission Against Domestic Violence, including a financial statement and a message from the Commission Chair. DOWNLOAD January 2007
	Data Reports
	Small Cities Report of Whatcom County 2005-2010
	Domestic Violence indicators for the years 2005-2010 includes five separate reports for the City of Blaine, Cities of Everson-Nooksack, City of Ferndale, City of Lynden and City of Sumas. All of these reports contain the following indicators: domestic violence offenses and verbals as reported by law enforcement; domestic violence misdemeanor charges filed with resolution status and categories of crime; felony domestic violence case filings and disposition status; and numbers of unduplicated defendants per year. DOWNLOAD December 2011
	Report: Communty Survey on Domestic Violence
	In June and July 2011, the DV Commission conducted a survey of community stakeholders as well as of victims and perpetrators of domestic violence. This survey asked questions of respondents regarding their knowledge about domestic violence, as well as how they prioritize domestic violence and its responses in the community. This report is a summary of the findings of that community survey. DOWNLOAD November 2011
	Domestic Violence in Whatcom County 1998-2010
	This report details domestic violence indicators in Whatcom County from 1998 through 2010. It includes data on domestic violence offenses and verbal offenses as reported to law enforcement; domestic violence charges, both misdemeanors and felonies, with resolutions; and numbers of victims served by victim service providers and perpetrator treatment providers. The report uses graphs, tables, and narrative to describe the data as well as to describe patterns that have emerged over the 12-year time period for which we have this data. DOWNLOAD October 2011
	Domestic Violence in the Small Cities of Whatcom County, 2005-2009
	This report details domestic violence data and indicators for the small cities of Whatcom County, Washington: Blaine, Ferndale, Everson-Nooksack, Lynden, and Sumas. It includes data on domestic violence offenses and verbals reported to law enforcement; domestic violence case outcomes; and repeat offenders. It uses graphs and charts to depict the data on domestic violence in the small cities, both in one-year snapshots, as well as over time. DOWNLOAD March 2011
	Domestic Violence in Whatcom County 1998-2009
	This report details domestic violence indicators in Whatcom County from 1998 through 2009. It includes data on domestic violence offenses and verbal offenses as reported to law enforcement; domestic violence charges, both misdemeanors and felonies, with resolutions; and numbers of victims served by victim service providers and perpetrator treatment providers. The report uses graphs, tables, and narrative to describe the data as well as to describe patterns that have emerged over the 11-year time period for which we have this data. DOWNLOAD December 2010
	Domestic Violence 2005-2008 Small Cities Report
	Domestic violence indicators for the years 2005 – 2008 in each of the five small cities of Whatcom County are detailed in this report. The report includes some of the following indicators: domestic violence offenses and verbals as reported by law enforcement; domestic violence misdemeanor charges filed with resolution status and categories of crime; felony domestic violence filings and resolutions; and numbers of defendants as well as defendants with multiple domestic violence charges. DOWNLOAD December 2009
	Domestic Violence in Whatcom County 2001-2006
	This 24-page report compiles and analyzes domestic violence indices in Whatcom County from 2001 to 2006. The major finding is that with little exception, domestic violence indices for 2006 saw significant decreases. Indices include major criminal and civil legal system data as well as data from domestic violence service providers. DOWNLOAD November 2007
	Domestic Violence Sub-Sample Report (Whatcom Prosperity Project)
	An indirect indicator for households affected by domestic violence (DV) is used to select the sub-sample for this report using only the quantitative survey data. DOWNLOAD September 2007
	Domestic Violence in Whatcom County 2000-2005
	This 23-page report provides a compilation of Whatcom County domestic violence data from 2000 through 2005. The report focuses on criminal justice data, such as domestic violence offenses as reported by law enforcement, domestic violence related bookings at the Whatcom County jail, as well as misdemeanor and felony domestic violence filings and dispositions. The report also includes data from domestic violence victim service and perpetrator treatment providers. DOWNLOAD December 2006
	Domestic Violence in Whatcom County 1998-2004
	This 24-page report provides a compilation of Whatcom County domestic violence data from 1998 through 2004. The report focuses on criminal justice data, such as domestic violence offenses as reported by law enforcement, domestic violence related bookings at the Whatcom County jail, as well as misdemeanor and felony domestic violence filings and dispositions. The report also includes data from domestic violence victim service and perpetrator treatment providers. DOWNLOAD May 2006
	Domestic Violence in Whatcom County: A Compilation of Data 2005
	This thrity page report provides a compilation of Whatcom County domestic violence data through 2003. This report focuses on criminal justice data, such as domestic violence offenses as reported by law enforcement, domestic violence related bookings at the Whatcom County Jail, as well as misdemeanor and felony domestic violence victim service and perpetrator treatment providers. Some data is available from 1998-2003, whereas other data is only available for 2003. DOWNLOAD April 2005
	Fatality Review Reports
	Up to us: Lessons learned and goals for change after thirteen years of the Washington State Domestic Violence Fatality Review
	This report is a review of thirteen years of domestic violence fatality reviews conducted by the Washington State Coalition Against Domestic Violence (WSCADV). The purpose is to identify problems in the community response to domestic violence—gaps in services, policy, practice, training, information, communication, collaboration, and resources. Victims in these cases reached out for help and did not find safety. In bringing communities together to look critically at the circumstances leading up to these murders, we shed light on the places where our efforts have not yet been enough, and we acknowledge our responsibility to make the changes that would honor the lives lost. This sixth and final biennial report draws on what we have learned from more than a decade of analysis and community conversation, and it sets out eleven goals for change. DOWNLOAD December 2010
	Policies Procedures And Protocols
	DV in the Workplace Policy, Procedures, and Guidelines
	This policy, procedures, and guidelines were developed by the DV Commission in coordination with local human resource professionals, and were reviewed by an employment attorney. You can adapt the template to meet the needs of your business or agency. If you do plan to adopt a DV in the Workplace policy, please contact the DV Commission at mail@dvcommission.org or 360.312.5700 for important policy updates, training on DV in the workplace, assistance with modifying the policy and procedures, and for formal recognition by the DV Commission on your workplace's efforts to be a part of our community's efforts to end domestic violence. DOWNLOAD February 2012
	Plan to Disarm Domestic Violence Defendants in Whatcom County: Recommendations and Promising Practices
	This protocol was developed by the DV & Firearms Committee, led by the BWCCADV, to create a set of recommendations to address the issue of batterers' access to firearms and to ensure victim safety. DOWNLOAD March 2009
	Whatcom County Coordinated Community Response: Domestic Violence, Children and Child Maltreatment
	The protocol is a document intended to provide guidance and procedural direction for law enforcement agencies , courts, Child Protective Services workers and service providers when responding to domestic violence in relationships where there are children, and the children may be subject to maltreatment. DOWNLOAD October 2007
	Model School Policy on Domestic Violence
	The DV Commission in coordination with the Meridian School District, created a model policy on domestic violence for schools. This policy can be replicated by other school districts. If a school district is interested in adopting this policy please contact the DV Commission at mail@dvcommission.org or 360.312.5700. DOWNLOAD February 2007
	Resource Guides
	Dating and Domestic Violence: A Resource and Information Handbook
	This 4th edition of Dating and Domestic Violence: A Resource and Information handbook, published in January 2012, contains information about domestic and dating violence, including local, state, and national resources. It is a useful tool for professionals as well as for victims and perpetrators. DOWNLOAD January 2012
	Domestic & Dating Violence: An Information and Resource Handbook – 3rd edition
	A resource handbook providing basic information on domestic and dating violence, including impacts on children. The handbook offers information on legal options, local Whatcom County resources, and ways to help. DOWNLOAD September 2007
	Domestic & Dating Violence: An Information and Resource Manual – 2nd edition
	This information and resource handbook describe and discuss characteristics of an abusive relationship, steps to intervention, and the legal system. It is designed to provide facts about dating and domestic violence, signs of abusive relationships, and appropriate methods of intervention. DOWNLOAD October 2003
	Safety Audit Reports
	Whatcom County Domestic Violence Protection Order Safety and Accountability Audit
	The 2011 Whatcom County Domestic Violence Protection Order Safety and Accountability Audit reviewed the process of civil domestic violence orders for protection and identified areas to improve victim safety and offender accountability. Seven agencies voluntarily participated in the audit, including courts, advocacy organizations and law enforcement. DOWNLOAD April 2011
	Domestic Violence Safety and Accountability Audit: Findings and Recommendations for the City of Blaine
	The Commission Against Domestic Violence conducted a Safety Audit on the police, prosecution, probation and court response to domestic violence cases in the City of Blaine. Using Safety Audit methodology and a trained local Audit team, the 76-page report documents sixteen areas where gaps in the City of Blaine criminal legal system response to domestic violence were identified. The report provides recommendations and ideas on ways to make improvements in the police, prosecution, probation and court response in order to provide the most safety-driven and victim-oriented response possible. DOWNLOAD November 2007
	Domestic Violence Safety and Accountability Audit: Findings and Recommendations for Prosecution and Probation Responses
	Thirteen gaps in the fabric of safety and accountability in the City of Bellingham Prosecutor's Office, the Whatcom County Prosecutor's Office, and Whatcom County District Court Probation are identified in this report. The gaps, and accompanying recommendations, were identified by a trained 10 member local audit team as they conducted a Domestic Violence Safety and Accountability Audit. The findings and gaps identify aspects of the prosecution and probation response that need attention in order to provide the most safety-driven and victim-oriented response possible. DOWNLOAD March 2007
	Review of Arrests of Women on Domestic Violence Related Charges
	In response to a recommendation from Whatcom County's Domestic Violence Safety and Accountability Audit, an assessment was conducted of cases where women were arrested for assaulting a male partner to determine if there were any problematic practices in two Whatcom County law enforcement agencies. DOWNLOAD April 2005
	Domestic Violence Safety and Accountability Audit: Response to Domestic Violence Cases Call for Service (911) Law Enforcement Response, Jail Booking, and Release
	Sixty-six recommendations for What-Comm (911), the Bellingham Police Department, the Whatcom County Sheriff's Office and the Whatcom County Jail are outlined in this report. The recommendations were the result of conducting a Domestic Violence Safety and Accountability Audit, which is a systematic assessment of whether or not polices and practices within an organization ensure safety for victims and accountability for offenders. DOWNLOAD February 2003
	Victim Input
	Findings from Domestic Violence Victim/Survivor Focus Groups
	Over two-dozen survivors of domestic violence in Whatcom County were asked about their experiences with four law enforcement practices that are considered "best practices" in response to domestic violence calls. Through focus groups, the DV Commission learned that interventions designed to enhance safety for victims and to increase accountability for offenders, come with risks for many victims and survivors of domestic violence. DOWNLOAD March 2004
	Community Service Project: Factors That Influence Disclosure of Abuse to Providers
	The DV Commission surveyed over 1000 Whatcom County female residents on factors that either encourage or discourage disclosure of domestic abuse to a health care or social service provider. This report details the findings of the survey. The primary reason that victims and survivors of domestic violence do not disclose abuse to a provider is the belief that they can manage by themselves. On the other hand, the primary reason these same individuals chose to disclose domestic abuse is due to a provider that takes the time to listen and ask questions in a caring manner. DOWNLOAD April 2002