All of our
Services
to Victims
are Free,
Private &
Confidential

In Greene County, call 724-852-2463

In Fayette County, call 724-439-9500

Domestic Violence Services of Southwestern PA

THERE IS A SAFE PLACE TO GO!

Washington Women’s Shelter, Inc. is now Domestic Violence Services of Southwestern Pennsylvania

SERVING WASHINGTON, GREENE, AND FAYETTE COUNTIES IN PENNSYLVANIA

724-223-9190 or 800-791-4000, 724-852-2463, or 724-439-9500 24-Hours a Day, 7-Days a Week!

Victims of domestic violence and their children are violated both by the crime of domestic violence and its frequent result, the loss of their homes. Domestic violence victims are a homeless population with very special needs. 

The Fresh Start transitional housing program was developed in response to two of those needs; the acute shortage of decent, affordable housing for low-income families in Washington County and the recognition that living in an abusive relationship has serious social and emotional consequences that must be addressed as part of achieving self-sufficiency.

The Fresh Start transitional housing project was born out of an awareness that emergency shelter was just the first step away from a violent home. Fresh Start enables this awareness to become a bridge from the Shelter and uncertainty to a more stable and safe living environment. 

The population served by Fresh Start consists of women and their children who are victims of domestic violence and have received emergency shelter and other domestic violence-related services from Domestic Violence Services of Southwestern PA.  Experience has taught staff in domestic violence shelters that battered women frequently do not have the financial or emotional ability to establish living quarters independent from the person who has abused them without additional supportive services.  These supportive services are what Fresh Start is all about. 

Guests of Fresh Start receive life skills training while their children participate in the children’s program.
Empowerment, supportive and educative counseling are offered and extensive case management is provided. 

The Fresh Start transitional housing program attempts to provide a secure and supportive living situation, counseling and a network to community services empowering battered women to achieve an independent lifestyle.

All of our services are provided confidentially and without regard to race, color, age, sex, religious creed, ancestry, national origin, handicap or disability, marital status or sexual orientation. Domestic Violence Services of Southwestern PA is registered with the Pennsylvania Bureau of Charitable Organizations. A copy of the official registration and financial information may be obtained from the Pennsylvania Department of State by calling toll free within Pennsylvania 1-800-732-0999. Registration does not imply endorsement.