On October 14, 2026, the Coalition Ending Gender Based Violence (CEGV) mobilized local programs to attend a press conference launching an exciting new campaign focusing on increasing ongoing funding for gender-based violence services called, Seattle Stands with Survivors, Every Step.
Seattle City Hall was filled with gender-based advocates, leaders, government officials, and community partners all wearing teal, purple and blue scarves to represent awareness of sexual assault, domestic violence, child sexual abuse, and trafficking.
CEGV partnered with Seattle City Councilmember Alexis Mercedes Rinck to shape, develop, and plan for this multi-year and multi-pronged funding which is proposing $8 million in ongoing funds in this year’s budget with a focus on three key areas of investments across gender-based violence services: prevention, survivor services, and accountability and justice.
Co-Executive Director’s of the Coalition Lea Aromin and Amarinthia Torres addressed the crowd and said:
“Local programs support survivors of sexual assault, domestic violence and trafficking every step of the way so they aren’t alone in their journey towards safety, justice, and healing. This work is vital but the funding landscape for gender-based violence services is one that doesn’t even come close to meeting the scale of the problem.”
Leaders at local programs spoke to the gaps and needs they see in their communities and the audience heard from Coalition member programs, Sexual Violence Law Center, Legal Counsel for Youth and Children, Mother Nation, Harborview Abuse & Trauma Center, and Aurora Commons.
Other elected leaders spoke and attended to show their support including Seattle City Councilmembers Dionne Foster, Eddie Lin, Bob Kettle, Seattle City Attorney Erika Evans, King County Councilmember Jorge Barón , and Representative Darya Farviar.
It will take all of us, in ever widening coalitions to truly end gender-based violence in our community and this event was a step in the right direction toward that goal! The Coalition will continue to mobilize our membership in support of these much needed funds for survivors of gender-based violence. Learn more about our policy advocacy and ways to get involved!