Mission
Women’s Advocates walks with victim/survivors and our community to break the cycle of domestic violence.
Introduction
Women’s Advocates is a safe place where victims/survivors of all backgrounds and cultures can escape domestic violence and begin to heal. We offer shelter, meals, clothing, transportation, personal needs items, counseling, support, advocacy, referrals, crisis phone, and other basic services to women and their children daily. Today, Women’s Advocates provides shelter and services to an average of 50 women and children daily, helps dozens of callers to the crisis line daily, and educates students and professionals about domestic abuse prevention and services.
History
Women’s Advocates, Inc. was one of the first shelters in the nation for women and children escaping domestic violence. In 1972, a phone crisis line for women seeking divorce or safety was created by volunteers in Saint Paul. Soon after, these women opened the first official shelter for domestic violence victims in a Victorian home on Grand Avenue. Women’s Advocates has since grown to three connected houses with 24/7 staff providing basic needs, advocacy, counseling, and resources. Women’s Advocates has been a national leader for other safety efforts by generating awareness, funding, and programs for abuse survivors and their families.