Last week, Highline College held an event, titled “Love Shouldn’t Hurt”, to bring awareness to domestic abuse and violence. The event focused on how to determine which is which, what the warning signs are, and how to get help if you are involved in a situation that resembles one of abuse. Participants shared their stories and opinions, generating a powerful discussion about the topic.

The event was hosted by the Intercultural Center (ICC), in collaboration with the Women’s Program and Lighthouse Northwest, a nonprofit in King County, with speakers, Alycia Williams, Dilornie Maliaganotoa, joined by Bobby Jo Shockley. 

Every month has some awareness attached to it, October is focused on Breast Cancer Awareness, Suicide Prevention, National Disability Employment Awareness, but it also focuses on Domestic Violence Awareness, and Highline has shown its support.

In an effort to protect privacy, ICC denied permission to record. The Thunderword was able to get quotes from the speaker and a few attendees, but their names have been redacted.  

The energy of the room was described by an anonymous attendee as “extremely welcoming,” especially once the discussion progressed.

The event was an open discussion on the difference between healthy or unhealthy aspects of a relationship.  Ideas like possessiveness, jealousy, extreme protectiveness, and trust issues floated around as the discussion went on. 

“Lighthouse is a nonprofit organization here in South King County, and we are dedicated to breaking the cycle of domestic abuse one relationship at a time,” said Shockley, the development director at Lighthouse. “We do that by providing resources and services and support to families who are coming out of domestic abuse, and also by giving education to the community.”

The Lighthouse NW organization presented their information as well, also generating some discussion throughout the room.

Expanding a little more on what the Lighthouse NW organization does, Shockley gave some information about the organization and about one of their support groups: “Rise.”

“Rise is a trauma-informed, holistic approach to healing and building a new life and healthy relationships. Women of all ages participate in Rise and are given the time, space, resources, training, and support necessary to create thriving lives they love,” says Shockley. 

Shockley continued, “Through our support groups, workshops, and activities we explore topics that address the impact of abuse and trauma and the healing process. Topics include: identifying patterns of abuse, safety, healthy relationships, communication, emotional health, self-care, identity, trust, boundaries, positive parenting, purpose, and more.”

Lighthouse is also a very private organization, if you need help, you can reach out to them and they will not share any of your personal information without your explicit consent.

“We train our staff and volunteers that if they see someone from our programs in public, that they not reveal that they know them from any programs. We also tell any participants not to disclose who is in the group. Everyone has their own story, their own journey and we want people to share theirs with whom they want to,” said Shockley.

The Lighthouse organization is always here to help and support, as well as the Women’s Program here at Highline which is located on the lower floor of Building 6. To contact Lighthouse they have all of their information on their website, or you can email them at info@lighthousenw.org or give them a call at 206-824-8581.

If you would like to donate to the Lighthouse NW organization, that information is linked here.