Eastside Domestic Violence Program had its start in 1981. At that point in time, the first domestic violence shelter in King County, New Beginnings, was already over five years old. However, there were no services on the Eastside to address the needs of victims.

The East King Council of Social and Health Services received $15,000 in Community Development Block Grant funds from the City of Bellevue to plan for victim services. Community volunteers were recruited to serve on the Eastside Domestic Violence Task Force. A part-time task force coordinator and clerk were hired to work in space donated by Overlake Park Presbyterian Church. During this first year, community education to increase awareness of domestic violence was initiated and program goals and objectives set.

In 1982, Bellevue women were murdered on two separate occasions, both apparently by their husbands who subsequently committed suicide. These separate incidents focused public attention on the issue of domestic homicides in our local community. Eastside Domestic Violence Program was incorporated and started providing direct services to victims of relationship violence. The first support group for battered women on the Eastside was started and the first two volunteer safe homes established. Planning started with the Bellevue Police Department for a coordinated program of early intervention in domestic violence cases and training of police officers in victim safety.

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