Mission: a safe place for survivors and offenders of domestic violence, who have no previous relationship, to come together for a dialogue. Survivors can ask questions of an offender they could never ask their own and an offender can perform an act of restitution.
Results: DVSD has helped hundreds of survivors and offenders of domestic violence gain information and life tools needed to lead lives without violence. As a result, their future relationships, and those of their children, will benefit from this new path of nonviolence. The domino effect of each dialogue intervention is immeasurable.
Target demographics: survivors and offenders of domestic violence on their path to healing.
Geographic areas served: NorthWest
Programs: * Intervention programs:
1) provide a safe place for survivors and offenders of domestic violence, who have no previous relationship, to come together for a dialogue. Survivors can ask questions of an offender they could never ask their own and an offender can perform an act of restitution.
2) provide Survivor Impact Panels in the area of domestic violence.
3) provide trainings in the area of domestic violence and restorative justice.
4) provide videos in English and (soon) Spanish so those who are not able to participate in person can still benefit from watching a dialogue.
Donor & Volunteer Advisory
This organization's nonprofit status may have been revoked or it may have merged with another
organization or ceased operations.
I became involved with DVSD because of my interest in restorative justice. The criminal justice system falls short of providing for the needs of both offenders and survivors. DVSD and their restorative justice approach offer healing for both offenders and survivors. It's a massive step in the right direction towards reaching prevention of domestic violence and breaking the cycle of learned behaviors that are earmarks of domestic violence. I am proud to be a part of this incredible process!
Excellent organization that has done some amazing things to help break the cycle of domestic violence and also helps not just the victims but also the offenders. Fantastic program. I'm so impressed with what they have accomplished so far.
I have heard positive results about this program. I especially appreciate the offender being brought into the equation. That would appear to hopefully have good consequences for the victim and offender maybe breaking the cycle.
I witnessed the effects of this program on an individual. It was, for her, lifechanging. Because this is an organization that takes a more personal approach with the goal of empowering the survivor, it worked for my friend. I have contributed to it and will again and have volunteered on a limited basis.
Creating an atmosphere where both victims and offenders can ask questions of each other with the help of a facilitator has had great results. An organization that i will support.
I can't speak to any personal experience with the group, I'm fortunate in that respect.
I have known of their technique from the beginning and believe it is a wise and caring approach. Exceptional for the abused to hear from victims without the interpersonal dynamics of it being the person they actually abused; and exceptional for those who suffered abuse to tell what it felt like to people who need to hear it.
This has been a favorite organization of mine to donate to for years. They have been actively working in the domestic violence community for years. It has been amazing to watch them grow steadily over the years.
I found out about DVSD years ago and have always been impressed with the care and knowledge that they have for both survivors and offenders of domestic violence. One must heal both parties, not just one side, if a difference is made. Highly recommend them.
