Over Christmas break, the Bellingham School District lost Sunnyland Elementary School principal Lynn Heimsoth and her therapy dog to a senseless and tragic act of domestic violence. Our hearts are with the entire community. The response team in Bellingham has done an amazing job of supporting their schools and community through tough times. We can't do much, but we can offer some resources to support school leaders across the state.

If you're a principal or assistant principal, you almost definitely have some staff members who at one point or another, have encountered domestic violence. According to data from the US Center for Disease Control, one in four women (and one in 10 men) have been victims of domestic violence. One in three teens have experienced dating violence. Help and resources are out there. Check out this great list of resources provided by the Washington State Coalition Against Domestic Violence, and while you're at it, make sure you know how to find your local support center. 


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Resources

• Love Like This | Cartoons and materials designed to help create the conversation with young people.

• Friends and Family Guide and for download/printout. | How to help someone in an abusive relationship.

• How’s Your Relationship? | These sets of activity cards help you get the conversation started so you can chat about love with those you love or talk to someone about their abusive behavior.

• Valentines for Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month | February is just around the corner.

• Team Up Washington | This is a new initiative that supports athletic coaches/teams to incorporate violence prevention lessons into their season – next coaches training is happening on February 10^th at T-Mobile Park, hosted by the Mariners.

• Refuse to Abuse 5k | Held in partnership with the Seattle Mariners at T-Mobile Park.