Public Policy

Public Policy

We lead on policy and systems change efforts that improve responses to gender-based violence and promote safe, just communities for all.

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What We Do

Engaging in public policy at the city and county level is an important way the Coalition supports community-based, member programs and survivors of gender-based violence.

A few examples of our public policy efforts include:

  • Legal, employment and eocnomic protections of survivors of gender based violence
  • Reforms and alternatives to criminal/legal responses to gender based violence
  • Increasing funding for the wide array of gender based violence services and supports that member programs provide to our community such as prevention, survivor-driven advocacy, and housing support.
  • Supporting a sustainable and robust community care and human services sector.

Why we do this work

We believe that it is critical for elected leaders, decision makers, and the broader public to understand how various policies may impact the unique needs of  survivors of gender-based violence and the community-based programs that survivors turn to for support. We connect, educate, and mobilize our community on relevant policy efforts so as to better advocate for policies that support the safety, well-being, and self-determination of survivors of gender-based violence. 

Additionally, we know policy is improved when we work together, so we build strong collaborations with other coalitions working in the areas of racial and social justice, ending homelessness, community care and human services, immigrant rights, reproductive justice, and much more.

Projects

Budget Time is Here

The end of September means the budget season is upon us! King County Executive Constantine released his proposed 2025 budget on Monday, September 23rd and Seattle Mayor Harrell released his proposed 2025-2026 budget on Tuesday, September 24th.

We will continue to ensure that gender-based violence and the priorities of our membership are heard and engaged with from our elected leaders. We will be reviewing the budget and attending budget briefings for now, but in the meantime, mark your calendars for upcoming public hearings, learn about Seattle’s budget process and be sure to check out the policy section of our website for the most up-to-date information.

City of Seattle Public Budget Hearings

  • October 16th at 5pm
  • November 12th at 5pm

King County Evening Town Halls  

  • October 10th at 6pm | Bellevue City Council Chambers
  • October 24th at 6pm | Kent Senior Center
  • October 30th at 6pm | New Holly Gathering Hall

Save the Date: Free Budget Advocacy Trainings 

Do you feel nervous about giving public comments to elected officials? Do you struggle to figure out how to squeeze the things you want to share into 2 minutes or less? So relatable!

If you want to learn more about engaging in the budget process and feel more confident in doing so, then consider joining these free Budget Advocacy Trainings hosted by our colleagues at Seattle/King County Coalition on Homelessness and Seattle Human Services Coalition.

Tuesday, October 22nd from 10-11:30am, ONLINE Register here

Tuesday, October 8th from 6-7:30pm IN PERSON Register here

Want to know more?

If you’d like to know more about our public policy efforts, want to get more involved, or just feel curious about what we’re working on in the policy space, please reach out!

Amarinthia Torres, Co-Executive Director of Policy amarinthia@endgv.org.

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There are currently no upcoming events. You can see other events on our events calendar.

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