You can call the Women’s Center HELPLINE 24 hours a day, 7 days a week if you are affected by domestic and/or sexual violence and need help. Calls are free and confidential and are provided without regard to status, race, ethnicity, gender, age, sexual orientation, physical ability or language. Counselors provide crisis counseling, safety planning, assistance with shelter, advocacy with the legal and medical system and referrals to other community resources. If you are in immediate danger or need emergency personnel, call 911. Emergency Shelter The Women’s Center provides temporary safe shelter for women and children who need emergency housing to escape domestic and/or sexual violence and abuse. Safe housing arrangements for male victims of abuse are provided through referrals to our community partners. The Shelter operates on a 24 hour basis, 7 days a week and our comprehensive facility is designed to accommodate up to 24 women and children depending on the circumstances. Residents may stay up to 30 days and immediate needs are provided including food, toiletries, linens and emergency clothing. Once crisis needs are stabilized, housing is the first priority and major need of shelter residents. Counselors will assist in the development of service plans with goals to find safe permanent housing, financial stability and employment.
Legal / Medical Advocacy Crisis Response Our Advocates provide 24/7 on-site crisis response and accompaniment to victims of domestic and sexual violence at hospitals, police departments and schools. Learn more about how a Legal or Medical Advocate can help you. If you are a victim of domestic or sexual violence, please call our HELPLINE 24/7 at 724-775-0131.
Protection From Abuse Order (PFA) If you are in immediate danger, call 911. A PFA can be obtained from the PFA office at the Beaver County Courthouse (2nd floor) from 8:00-9:30 a.m., Monday through Friday. Legal Advocates are usually available in the PFA office during those times to provide adult and child victims of domestic and/or sexual violence and their significant others assistance with filing the PFA. Advocates provide counseling support and accompaniment to PFA temporary and final hearings. After 9:30 a.m. weekdays, the victim requesting the PFA must go to the local magistrate to obtain an emergency PFA. To get an emergency PFA after business hours, weekends and holidays, the victim must contact the local police who will contact the magistrate on call. Safety Planning Safety planning for someone in an abusive relationship is a necessary and important step. Whether you are an adult or a teen, thinking through steps to protect yourself can be done while you are still with your abuser or after the relationship has ended. Use the resources below to prepare yourself.
