Kirkland City Council launches pilot program for dedicated sexual assault legal advocate

The Kirkland City Council convened on March 4, 2025, to discuss several key agenda items, including community engagement initiatives and a proposed pilot program aimed at supporting victims of sexual assault.

The meeting began with a celebration of community events organized by city staff, highlighting successful activities such as game nights and the polar plunge. Council Member Falcone expressed appreciation for these efforts, emphasizing their role in fostering a sense of community. He also introduced a motion to support the installation of a new screen for community events, which was unanimously approved by the council.

The council then shifted focus to a significant agenda item: a proposed two-year pilot program in partnership with the King County Sexual Assault Resource Center (KSARC). City Manager K provided an overview of the project, which aims to establish a dedicated legal advocate for sexual assault victims in Kirkland. This initiative is fully funded in the 2025-2026 budget with a $200,000 allocation.

Senior Management Analyst Andreanna Campbell presented details about the program, explaining that the advocate would serve individuals who live, work, or attend school in Kirkland, regardless of where the assault occurred. The advocate's role would include providing immediate support and access to resources throughout the criminal justice process, addressing a gap in services currently available to victims.

Council members engaged in a robust discussion regarding the advocate's responsibilities, emphasizing the importance of outreach and accessibility. Several members expressed a desire for the advocate to be based at City Hall to enhance visibility and community engagement. They also highlighted the need for the advocate to assist victims in navigating both criminal and civil legal processes, including obtaining protection orders.

The council underscored the importance of building trust with victims and ensuring that the advocate could provide comprehensive support, including connections to mental health services. Members agreed on the necessity of tracking the program's effectiveness to evaluate its impact and determine future funding.

In conclusion, the meeting reflected a strong commitment from the Kirkland City Council to enhance community support services, particularly for vulnerable populations. The proposed pilot program with KSARC represents a proactive step towards addressing the needs of sexual assault victims in the city, with the council poised to monitor its progress closely.