The Washington State Women’s Commission extends our congratulations to Governor-elect Bob Ferguson. As Washington’s Attorney General, Ferguson has shown a commitment to upholding legal protections for Washington women, and we are confident that he will continue this work as Governor.

Women’s Commissioners working alongside the Office of the Attorney General

Governor-elect Bob Ferguson has collaborated with WSWC Commissioners on several initiatives related to women’s health and safety in our state.

Legal Victory for Sexual Assault Survivors

Commissioner Quinn Dalan worked with the Attorney General’s Office to ensure that a law banning the sale and advertisement of at-home sexual assault kits in Washington remains in place.

Dalan is the Executive Director of Central Washington Legal Aid. Serving in roles as Defense Attorney and Prosecutor, Dalan knows firsthand that the results of these kits are rarely admissible in a court of law. Thanks to her testimony and the efforts of Attorney General Bob Ferguson, last month a federal judge upheld the ban.

Commissioner Dalan shared her thoughts on participating in the lawsuit defending House Bill 1564.

"One of the best things about being a Commissioner is the ability to bring my professional experience to the table to collaborate with other agencies doing work to protect women… Congratulations to all involved in this important work - I am grateful for you all."

Addressing the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Peoples Crisis

Since 2021, Bob Ferguson has led a task force dedicated to tackle the crisis of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and People (MMIWP) in Washington. WSWC Chair Vicki Lowe serves on this task force, along with 22 other members.

In a few short years, the AG’s MMIWP Task Force has advanced groundbreaking policies to protect Native communities from disproportionate violence. One of their successes is a first-of-its kind alert system that notifies law enforcement immediately when an Indigenous person is reported missing.

Commission Chair Lowe tells us that this system has reduced response times from two days to just 20 minutes. She told us the very first alert that went out, the individual reported missing was found.

Transition of Leadership

The transition of leadership from Governor Jay Inslee to Bob Ferguson marks the continuation of a strong legacy of advocacy for protecting the rights of women in Washington. We are excited to continue our work alongside an administration that values equity and justice.

Resources:

• Find a medical provider who can conduct a sexual assault medical exam through WA Safe. Access the National Missing and Unidentified Persons System (NamUs).
• Call the Native Hub resource line and get connected to statewide resources.
• If you are experiencing a mental health crisis, call the Native & Strong Lifeline at 988 and press 4.
• Find services and funding for survivors of sexual violence at the Washington State Department of Commerce site.

Learn more:

• Washington ban on over-the-counter sexual assault kits upheld by federal judge • Washington State Standard
• Raising Awareness: The Missing & Murdered Indigenous Women & Peoples Crisis | Women's Commission, Washington State
• Washington State Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and People Task Force | Washington State