Domestic Violence

If you, or anyone you know, are experiencing any form of domestic  violence, please contact a local domestic violence advocate to discuss  your concerns.  If you, or someone you know, are in imminent physical or  emotional danger, call 911 immediately. 

Services for Victims of Domestic Violence

The City of Gig Harbor is dedicated to providing effective and  innovative services to victims of domestic violence.  The Gig Harbor  Police Department, City Attorney, Municipal Court, and local Domestic  Violence agencies are working together to efficiently and effectively  respond to the needs of victims and their families by providing a  coordinated response to family violence. 

Local professionals from a wide variety of social service and government agencies have joined together to work at the Crystal Judson Family Justice Center to offer help and support to clients as they determine their next steps.

It is our intent to provide information on Domestic Violence via this website that will assist in educating the public about family violence, provide resource information and links that will assist victims, and  promote community involvement in the detection, reporting, and prevention of domestic violence. 

What is Domestic Violence?

Domestic violence is a pattern of behavior used by an individual to  establish and maintain control over another individual.  It is a cycle of abuse between family or household members involving physical harm,  emotional abuse, sexual assault, or reasonable fear of harm. 

Domestic Violence is generally perceived to be a problem that exists  only in traditional, marriage relationships.  The reality is that domestic violence can occur in ANY type of relationship where two (or  more) people are related or living together.  These relationships  include marriages, partnerships, dating relationships, roommates, and  blood-related family members (abusers and victims can be parents,  children, siblings, grandparents, stepparents, etc). 

Domestic violence is a community and societal epidemic.  It occurs in  all different types of families.  Perpetrators and victims of domestic violence come from all ethnic backgrounds, socioeconomic classes,  religious affiliations, sexual orientations, professions, and ages. Domestic violence knows no boundaries. 

  • Obtaining Temporary Protection Orders via Kiosk  
  • Local Resources for Assistance 

You can download Modify/Rescind No Contact Order form (PDF).

Understanding Domestic Violence

  • The Dynamics of Domestic Violence: A Vicious Cycle 
  • Facts and Myths About Domestic Violence 
  • RED FLAGS - Warning Signs of Abusive Personalities 
  • Domestic Violence and Children 

Personal Safety Planning

If you are a victim, or know a victim, of domestic violence, one of  the most important steps that you can take is to create a personal safety plan.  Although victims do not have control over their partner’s  behavior, they do have choices about how they respond to the abuser’s  behavior.  Victims also have the responsibility to keep themselves and  their children safe. Here are some steps a victim can take to prepare if  there are signs that the abusive behavior is escalating:

  • Personal safety planning 
  • Teach children to call 911 
  • Tell someone you trust what is going on 
  • Arrange for a place to go if an assault does happen, or if you feel  that you need to leave the home (ensure that this is a place the abuser  would not suspect you to go) 
  • Have a bag of clothing, essential medications, photo ID, bank cards,  financial documents, etc. for you and your children hidden in a safe  place (i.e. at a family member’s house) 
  • Make copies of all important documents (i.e. SS cards, ID, birth  certificates) and car/house keys in case these items get destroyed or  hidden. Keep copies in a safe or remote location that is unknown to the  abuser 
  • If you are able to trust an employer or co-worker, notify someone at  your workplace of the situation so that they may be on alert for any  unusual requests or behavior by your partner 
  • Carry a cell phone; if you do not have access to the cell phone,  call the YWCA at  253-272-4181, ext. 222 or the DV Helpline at 253-798-4166 for your local Emergency Cell Phone Assistance program