Biography
In June 2023, I joined the team at Harborview Abuse & Trauma Center (HATC), formerly known as the Harborview Center for Sexual Assault and Traumatic Stress. It is an honor to serve as the Director of HATC. HATC was one of the first programs in the country to specifically address the needs of sexual assault survivors. It is an energizing time for our center as we reflect on an important milestone, 50 years of service to those impacted by sexual trauma, other forms of violence, and abuse.
Accredited as a Community Sexual Assault Program by the Washington State Office of Crime Victims Advocacy, HATC is committed to excellence. The services that HATC provides are trauma informed, evidence-based, and culturally relevant. Our standards of care serve as a model for holistic approaches to treating sexual trauma and abuse. This is why HATC also serves as a certified training center for mental health and nursing professionals providing sexual assault and trauma services throughout Washington State.
In our mission to provide individualized, culturally inclusive, and compassionate care, we recognize that there are historically marginalized and vulnerable populations that need our services. We are committed to improving access to services through targeted outreach and instituting operational mechanisms that enhance the ease of entry to care. HATC is also dedicated to changing the systems, cultural norms, and behaviors that perpetuate sexual violence and abuse by providing education and prevention services. As HATC’s director, my main objectives are to be an ambassador of HATC’s exemplary work and to ensure that our services reach and support the healing of anyone affected by sexual trauma, violence, and abuse. We are ready to serve!
Estella C. Williamson, DSW, MSW, LICSW
