Rep. Peter Abbarno tours YWCA Clark County domestic violence shelter, calls for stronger support services and accountability for offenders

Rep. Peter Abbarno toured the YWCA Clark County domestic violence shelter, highlighting the need for expanded survivor housing and restored offender accountability. — From left to right: Rep. David Stuebe, 17th Legislative District; Katie Wittier; Brittini Lasseigne, YWCA CEO; and Rep. Peter Abbarno, 20th Legislative District. Photo courtesy Washington State House Republicans

Abbarno said the visit underscored the critical role the YWCA plays in protecting victims, offering stability, and helping families rebuild their lives

State Rep. Peter Abbarno, R-Chehalis, recently toured the YWCA Clark County domestic violence shelter in Vancouver, meeting with program staff and learning more about the ongoing housing and service gaps facing survivors.

Abbarno said the visit underscored the critical role the YWCA plays in protecting victims, offering stability, and helping families rebuild their lives.

“The YWCA shelter is doing incredible work under challenging circumstances,” said Abbarno, House Republican Caucus Chair. “But as the need grows, resources have not kept pace. Survivors deserve access to safe emergency shelter, long-term housing options, counseling, legal support, and the stability needed to break the cycle of violence. These are individual victims, their families, and the children who witness the abuse firsthand.”

During the tour, program leaders emphasized the increasing demand for domestic-violence-specific housing – including transitional and long-term units designed to keep survivors safe while they regain independence. The YWCA is also preparing to begin design work on a future housing and empowerment campus, made possible by a $400,000 allocation in the 2025 capital budget.

Abbarno said expanding these services must be a legislative focus.

“Every survivor who reaches out for help should find a door that is open – not a waitlist,” continued Abbarno, the assistant ranking member on the House Capital Budget Committee. “We must invest in more domestic-violence-specific housing and ensure service providers like the YWCA have the resources they need.”

Abbarno also raised concerns about recent changes under House Bill 1169, approved in the 2023 legislative session, that eliminated meaningful financial accountability for domestic violence offenders. Legal financial obligations – including victim impact fees that helped support victim services and court functions – are no longer being required in many cases.

He reaffirmed his commitment to working with local leaders, service providers, court administrators, and legislators from both parties to strengthen shelter and housing opportunities for domestic violence survivors.

“We owe it to victims and their families to do better,” Abbarno concluded. “Washington must take domestic violence seriously – ensuring safe and stable housing and restoring accountability for offenders.”

Information provided by Washington State House Republicans, houserepublicans.wa.gov