Domestic Violence Sexual Assault Services of the San Juan Islands reports that one in every four women will experience domestic violence in her lifetime.

Nationwide, women are victims of domestic violence every 15 seconds. Victims who do not report incidents of violence are twice as likely to be assaulted again.

Domestic violence comes in different forms — emotional, physical, psychological and sexual. Emotional or verbal abuse includes humiliation and manipulation. Psychological assault includes threats of violence, an attack on property or pets, and other intimidating acts. Sexual assault is coerced or forced sex. Verbal abuse can often lead to physical abuse.

DVSAS is a non-profit agency offering victim services, education and community awareness. Services include a 24-hour crisis hotline, advocacy, emergency shelter, prevention programs, referrals, therapy and transportation.

Medical advocacy, safety planning, protection orders and specialized services are offered at no cost.

Islanders can help DVSAS reach people in need of its services this holiday season and year-round, by offering a donation of funds or time. To learn more about donating or volunteering, call 378-5979.

DVSAS is offering a new prevention program, “Family Options.” It provides individual and family counseling for children and adults who are experiencing conflict in their relationships. Family Options serves as a preventive measure, to help keep conflict from escalating into violence.

Anita Castle, executive director of DVSAS, said power and control over a partner or family member is the main cause of domestic violence.

“The cycle of violence escalates over time,” she said. Addictions, financial hardship and stress can spur domestic violence.

“Abusers have their own internal set of rules and regulations for their abusive behaviors,” Castle said. “It’s like living with a terrorist, but you never get to leave.”

The isolation of rural living creates other factors that can influence the frequency of domestic violence, Castle said: Lack of affordable housing, lack of public transportation, seasonal work and periods of unemployment.

San Juan County Sheriff Bill Cumming said there have been 22 cases of domestic violence cases in San Juan County so far this year; that’s down slightly, from 23, in 2007. The number of reported child abuse cases has dropped from 17 in 2007 to four this year.

While those drops in numbers may be encouraging, Cumming said they only represent a portion of domestic violence crimes occurring in the county. Repeated patterns of domestic violence occur over time and often are only reported when the violence escalates.

“With the economy continuing to spiral downward, creating economic hardships for families, we expect tensions within some families to be expressed with increases in domestic violence, substance abuse and neglect of children,” Cumming said. “Such factors are based on past national trends that tend to occur during economic hardships.”

A DVSAS report, “Understanding the Role of Alcohol and Drugs in Domestic Violence,” said alcohol is a factor in incidents of battering. Most incidents occur when a perpetrator is under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Drugs are frequently associated with severe abuse. Addicts and abusers often refuse to accept responsibility for their behavior, and denial reinforces a perpetrator’s behavior as well.

Alcohol- and drug-related offenses are on the rise in San Juan County. According to Cumming, there have been 90 DUI charges filed this year, up from 78 last year.

To learn more about how DVSAS makes a difference in the lives of victims and potential victims — and how you can help — visit www.dvsassanjuans.org.

DVSAS is a member of the state Coalition Against Domestic Violence, and the state Coalition Against Sexual Assault.

DVSAS receives funding from the Violence Against Women Act through the Office of Crime Victims Advocacy and Department of Social and Health Services.