Each year, the Domestic Violence/Sexual Assault Program of Jefferson County helps more than 475 people transition to safer lives. The private nonprofit corporation is Jefferson County's sole provider of free services to victims of family and sexual violence.

DVSA is nearing the completion of its exciting new project, the Dove House. The building's first floor will have space for the crisis line workers, legal advocacy, individual counseling, support groups, parenting classes, administration, and other programs. Upstairs, a one-bedroom unit, two two-bedroom units, and one three-bedroom unit will house families needing support during their transitions. They will be able to stay for up to two years, pay below-market rent, benefit from comprehensive onsite supportive services, and receive referrals to other community service providers.

"Our goal for each woman, or family, in the Transitional Living Program is that, within two years, they will amass the resources and skills they need—education, employment, financial management, parenting and personal development—to secure and maintain permanent housing and live independent, violence-free lives," Bozarth said. "Locating the housing above our offices ensures these families have access to the services they need to succeed."

DVSA provides free crisis intervention and advocacy to victims of domestic and sexual violence, while working for the elimination of violence through education and social change. DVSA provides crisis intervention, emergency food and shelter, medical advocacy, legal advocacy, individual support and counseling, support groups, therapy for child and adult victims, and maintains a 24-hour crisis line.

For more information or to donate to the capital facilities fund, contact Bozarth at 360.385.5291 or director@dvsajeffco.org.

See the floor plans for the new Dove House. (Large file: 2.14 MB .pdf)

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From the Peninsula Daily News

May 29, 2009
Ground is broken for new Port Townsend Dove House offices by Erik Hidle

The Dove House project has been given wings, and the Domestic Violence/Sexual Assault Program of Jefferson County will have a new home soon...read more.

March 19, 2008
Dove House gets wings from Gateses: $300,000 grant wll help build 4-unit shelter
by Jim Casey

Your 90 days are up. For someone who's been abused by a partner or family member, those words are horrific. They mean you must leave the emergency shelter provided by the Domestic Violence/Sexual Assault Program of Jefferson County and find a place of your own. Even if your abuser is waiting for you there...read more.

View photos of the groundbreaking.

From the Port Townsend Jefferson County Leader

July 2, 2008
Dove House takes wing: Transitional housing for domestic violence victims is fully funded by Patrick Sullivan

Eleven months and 10 days - that's how long it has taken to launch the "Dove House" project certain to change lives forever. The Domestic Violence/Sexual Assault Program of Jefferson County (DV/SAP) has completed a $2.1 million fundraising campaign to create the transitional housing facility... read more.

March 20, 2008
Gates Foundation grants $300,000 to build Dove House as huge boost to DV/SAP services

The Domestic Violence/Sexual Assault Program of Jefferson County (DV/SAP) today announced that its capital campaign for Dove House, received a $300,000 grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation...read more.

July 18, 2007
Raising the roof on domestic violence by Patrick J. Sullivan

Domestic violence is felt throughout Jefferson County: in schools, places of employment, by law enforcement and the court system - and particularly in the households where people are physically, verbally and mentally abused... read more.