We will work toward the elimination of domestic violence and provide emergency and support services for survivors of domestic violence.
Definition
Domestic violence is any intentional act used to gain power and control over an intimate partner or family member. Physical harm is only one method used to gain control. Other tactics may include, but are not limited to, isolation, emotional abuse, sexual abuse, intimidation, economic abuse or threats of abuse.
Philosophy
We believe that domestic violence is a pattern of domination in which perpetrators intentionally choose to cause fear, injury, and/or pain in order to gain and maintain power and control over their intimate partners or family members. Physical harm is only one method used to gain control. Other tactics may include, but are not limited to, isolation, emotional abuse, sexual abuse, intimidation, economic abuse or threats of abuse, and stalking.
We know that most domestic violence is committed by men and is one form of violence against women. We believe that patriarchy, gender inequity, and the resulting power imbalance in our culture play a central role in creating a society which allows the abuse of women.
Further, we believe that all oppressions play a central role at the individual, institutional, and cultural levels in creating and maintaining an environment which accepts domestic violence. We believe it is vital to understand and advocate for the elimination of all forms of oppression, including, but not limited to sexism, racism, and homophobia. Our principals embrace equality, diversity, and inclusion. We are committed to a vision of a just society, and to changing the current beliefs and institutions which encourage domestic violence.
We believe that domestic violence is absolutely unacceptable, and that institutions and organizations must be held accountable for those attitudes, policies and practices which support domestic violence. We also believe that perpetrators must be held accountable for their behavior.
We believe our work must be founded on the voice and experience of survivors. We also believe it is not enough to say, “Everyone is welcome,” but we must intentionally and actively create safe places and provide services for ALL domestic violence survivors and their children.
Our guiding principle is empowerment; this emphasizes regaining power from within, instead of seeking approval and power from outside sources. When survivors can individually and collectively reclaim their own power and live lives free of fear and violence, we all, as a society, benefit.
Services
We provide shelter and on-going direct services. Services include but are not limited to 24-hour crisis intervention, emergency shelter, advocacy, counseling, information/referral, criminal justice system assistance, emergency transportation, provision of necessities, support and educational groups, and children’s programs.
Our public awareness/prevention programs work toward community collaboration, institutional and social change and outreach to survivors through in-service trainings for professional service providers, youth prevention programs, participation with partner agencies on councils, the Domestic Violence Advocacy Council, public forums and events, and all forms of media.
Our services are available twenty-four hours a day. Our primary service area is New Hanover County. (Other areas are served as needed.)