Women and Children First:

The Center against Family Violence (formerly Advocates for Battered Women) was founded in 1978 to provide shelter and services to battered women and their children. A safe house was opened that year and has been operating for the past 25 years.

The mission of Women and Children First is to empower women and their children to live independently, free from domestic violence by providing crisis intervention, safe shelter, social and legal advocacy and support services.

Our vision is to improve the lives and life chances of women and children who are victims of domestic violence. By providing access to safe and secure shelter, transitional housing, legal catalyst providing victims with more control, direction and options for their lives. As a proactive leader in outreach, education and legal advocacy, we envision a future where victims are not only protected by the law, but their rights to privacy are protected as well, enabling them to live independently and free from domestic violence.