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1. Who can I call for help with domestic violence issues?

* Domestic Violence Services of Snohomish County 24-Hour Crisis Hotline: (425) 25-ABUSE (425-252-2873
* Washington State Hotline: 1-(800)-562-6025
* For emergencies or to report a crime, call 911

2. What are the signs of domestic violence?

Domestic violence is a pattern of abuse that a partner-former or current partner, spouse, or boyfriend or girlfriend-uses to control the behavior of another. Domestic violence often starts with threats, name-calling, and slamming doors or breaking dishes, and it builds up to pushing, slapping, and other violent acts.

3. How can a domestic violence advocate help?

Domestic violence advocates throught Domestic Violence Service of Snohomish County provide services that range from legal assistance in criminal and civil courts to support groups, shelter, and transitional housing for victims. DVS also runs the New & Again Thrift Shoppe through which all proceeds go toward helping victims and residents of the shelter and transitional housing can receive items at no cost to them.

4. What is domestic violence?

Washington State law defines domestic violence offenses as virtually any criminal act committed by one "family or household member" against another. The City of Marysville Municipal Court hears misdemeanor domestic violence offenses including assault, property destruction, harassment and telephone harassment, intimidation with a weapon, reckless endangerment and violation of no contact or domestic violence protection orders. Felony domestic violence offenses, such as a No Contact Order violation involving an assault, a third violation of a No Contact Order, assault with a deadly weapon, or even murder, are heard in Superior Court.

5. Who are the victims of domestic violence?

According to the U.S. Department of Justice, 85% of domestic violence victims in America are women.

6. How prevalent is domestic violence?

Surveys from the U.S. and Canada indicate that domestic violence occurs in 28% of all marriages. Researchers believe this estimate is too low since most domestic violence incidents are unreported.

7. What are the punishments for a domestic violence offense?

Domestic violence offenses in Marysville Municipal Court are either misdemeanors, punishable by up to 90 days in jail and a $1,000 fine, or gross misdemeanors, punishable by up to 365 days in jail and a $5,000 fine. Felony domestic violence offenses are punishable by more than one year in jail.
A person who has been convicted of a domestic violence assault cannot possess a firearm or get a concealed weapons permit in the State of Washington. Violation of this provision is a felony.