Since 1981, the United States has recognized October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month. That’s 44 years of uniting people from all walks of life to end domestic violence. This year’s theme, promoted by the Domestic Violence Awareness Project, “With survivors, ALWAYS,” showcases that survivors deserve safety, support, and solidarity.

State laws protecting victims of sexual assault vary but are improving. In the past few years, Washington State has had several bills signed into law and funding included in the budget that supports victims and survivors of sexual violence. One example includes dealing with a backlog of over 6,000 untested sexual assault kits and reducing the time it takes to process kits to 45 days.