If you are a victim of domestic violence or sexual assault, please call one of our 24-hour hotline numbers:
(413) 733-7100(TTY/V)
(800) 796-8711(TTY/V)
If you want to learn more about responding to domestic violence or sexual assault—whether for yourself, someone close to you, or because you're researching these pressing social issues—please visit our resources page, where you can learn more about:
- making a safety plan
- recognizing domestic violence and sexual assault
- the prevalence of the problem
- impact on children, the workplace, communities
- how the cycle is perpetuated
The YWCA of Western Massachusetts wants victims of domestic violence or sexual assault to know that they are not alone. Not alone, because our staff is here for them 24 hours a day via our hotline emergency numbers. Not alone, so they do not have to try to solve their problems by themselves, even as it feels like those problems are swallowing their life. Not alone, needing to be silent, their pain hidden. Not alone, because the YW has been working on behalf of these victims for decades. We are here with support, guidance, and vital services—and the recognition that victims are not the cause of what's happened.
Victims of domestic and sexual violence can make a better life for themselves; we're ready to help.
For victims of sexual assault
Counseling, a crucial part to any healing process, is available in both individual and group settings. The YWCA operates a 24-hour hotline (TTY/V available) for victims of sexual assault. Additionally, we provide medical, legal, and police advocacy.
For victims of domestic violence
The emotional or physical pain of domestic violence has not changed over time, and will not. But how we respond to it has. The YWCA of Western Massachusetts is recognized region- and state-wide as a pioneer in serving battered women. The services we offer are listed below; to learn more about what's different about how we provide these services, please read about how we are changing the service model.
- a 24-hour emergency hotline (TTY/V available) for crisis intervention
- advocacy and counseling for both women and their children
- support groups in community settings
- SAFEPLAN, a program that provides an advocate in the court system to obtain restraining orders and deal with other legal issues
- emergency shelter and safe bed services for victims of domestic violence and their children
- access to medical services, employment and educational opportunities
- daycare and classroom activities for children in shelter
- Legal Access Program provides legal consultation for YWCA clients
- safe, neutral, and highly structured environments for court-ordered supervised visitation. Visitation centers provide accountability to the courts about the batterer's behavior as a parent while keeping children's interests first in a child-friendly atmosphere
- transitional housing and support services for victims of domestic violence
For pregnant and parenting teens
PagePlus is our program for pregnant and parenting teens and young adults. We offer case management, home visiting, parenting education in community and school settings. PagePlus also offers childcare for eligible infants and toddlers so that young parents can continue their education or job training.
We also provide Teen Transitional Living Programs in Holyoke and Springfield for teen mothers and their children.