Voices of Hope and Healing: King County's Inaugural Summit on Crime Survivors Marks a Pivotal Moment
VIDEO: Voices of Hope and Healing: Summit Addresses Crime Victim Support (Converge Media Presents)
By Omari Salisbury
Seattle, WA – June 13, 2025, will be remembered as a landmark day for King County, which hosted its first-ever Summit on Crime Survivors at the Sea Mar Museum of Chicano/a/Latino/a Culture. The event convened a broad spectrum of individuals—survivors of violent crime, families of victims, elected officials, law enforcement, victim advocates, community organizations, and mental health experts—to confront the profound impact of crime and the urgent need for robust community support. This inaugural summit was not merely a meeting; it was a poignant and transformative experience marked by raw emotion, powerful testimonials, and a unified dedication to fostering real change.
The summit's agenda centered on several critical themes: victim-centered solutions, accountability, trauma healing and support, resource allocation and funding, justice system improvements, and community engagement. Survivors ardently emphasized the importance of being "heard, believed, and included in decision-making processes that affect their lives. They expressed a strong desire to actively contribute to solutions rather than being passive recipients of aid. Accountability for harm and the need for interventions to prevent future violence were repeatedly stressed. Mental health expert Chevonna Gaylor, LMFT, highlighted the distinction between "getting over" trauma and "getting through it," emphasizing the potential for "post-traumatic growth." She stated, "We will never get over it, but we can get through it… on the other side of a traumatic circumstance, we can grow and be wiser, stronger, and maybe more purposeful and impactful in this life." There were also calls to address funding disparities, with Rami El Gharib, Restorative and Community Justice Manager at the King County Executive Office, pointing out that "only 14% of funding goes to victims," a stark disparity that needs rectification.
The summit was punctuated by profoundly moving personal narratives. Alicia Dassa, mother of Conner Dassa-Holland and Chapter Lead of Parents of Murdered Children (POMC), shared her journey in forming POMC in Washington. Dassa recounted, "We decided to bring POMC here to Washington, and now we get referrals from the prosecutor's office, Harborview, Attorneys all over the state." She also poignantly described her late son, saying, "Conner was bright. He had this smile that was infectious… He was just joy." Gunshot survivor Paul Carter shared his emotional journey, stressing the importance of "people need[ing] to know that they're not… alone." King County Council Member Claudia Balducci acknowledged the county's responsibilities and noted the "big gaps" in survivor support systems, while King County Executive Shannon Braddock pledged the government's commitment to listening and enacting policy changes. Braddock urged everyone "to listen with humility, to speak with purpose, and to commit to action." KCSARC CEO Kate Garvey emphasized the importance of support, saying, "I think it’s important to remember that survivors are working within a system that already exists, and it’s important that we have conversations with each other about that system and how we can make it better."
Interactive art displays and resource tables enhanced the summit, providing avenues for connection and access to information. The emotional intensity was palpable, with attendees expressing grief, frustration, and hope. Many called for an annual summit, recognizing the need for ongoing dialogue and action. Deaunte Damper, from the King County Regional Office of Gun Violence Prevention, noted the "anger and passion" in survivors’ voices, underscoring the urgency of the issues. Tiffany Attrill, a former victim advocate, highlighted the need for "stabilizing funding for Victim Services," emphasizing the significant impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on resource availability. Attrill expressed, "I hope that the victim panel that shared their experiences had such an impact that it's not going to be forgotten."
The summit was not only a platform for sharing stories but also a call to action, urging all participants to commit to advocacy and systemic change. The day concluded with a renewed sense of purpose and a collective pledge to ensure survivors' voices continue to guide the path forward.
