Founded in 1974, RESPOND, Inc., helps women free themselves and their children from abusive situations and to engage in preventive activities that reduce the incidence of violence. As an agency, RESPOND has been working to end domestic violence by protecting the personal dignity and right to self-determination of all women. Domestic violence is a human rights issue.

 

RESPOND’s mission is to help women and their children create options for a safer life, free from domestic violence, and to further the efforts of the larger community to end domestic violence. At this time we seek to fulfill our mission by providing shelter, support, advocacy and education.

Value Statement

At RESPOND, we value the inherent human rights of all people and know domestic violence to be a violation of these rights. We respect personal dignity and the right to self-determination.

Since our founding in 1974, RESPOND has expanded its partnerships and internal resources to address emerging community needs. Through new outreach, training and hotline initiatives, RESPOND has reached across city and state boundaries to develop a national and statewide presence among domestic violence service providers. RESPOND continues to broaden the scope of initiatives against violence to included undeserved populations such as immigrants, persons with disabilities, lesbians, bisexuals and transgendered people. All services are available in Spanish, English, French and Haitian Creole.