In 2026, one in three women will experience domestic violence. From 1994 to 2010, four out of five reported victims were women—numbers that reflect only those able to come forward. Speaking up about abuse takes tremendous courage, and supporting others is part of creating the safety net that earlier survivors never had.

This Women’s History Month, we’re honoring several underrecognized women-led organizations whose work contributed significantly to the domestic violence movement, laying the foundation for the services and protections available today.

• Women’s Christian Temperance Union (WCTU) – Founded in the 1870s, the WCTU was one of the first national groups to address domestic violence. While their main focus was alcohol reform, they openly connected alcohol abuse to violence against women and helped shift public thinking from “this is a private family matter” to “this is a community responsibility.”
• La Casa de las Madres – Opened in 1976 in San Francisco, La Casa is the first shelter opened by and for survivors of color. Led by women like Sonia Melara, the shelter recognized that existing services failed to meet the language, cultural, and community needs of Latina survivors, and helped establish a national model for culturally specific domestic violence services
• Pennsylvania Coalition Against Domestic Violence (PCADV) – Also founded in 1976, PCADV brought together advocates and survivors who saw the need for coordinated services, sustainable funding, and legal protections for survivors. Their work led Pennsylvania to pass the nation’s first state law allowing survivors to obtain protective orders – legislation that influenced states nationwide.
• Futures Without Violence – Esta Soler and her organization helped build the modern domestic violence prevention system, from training law enforcement to expanding survivor services. Their advocacy played a major role in the creation of the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) in 1994, the first federal law to address domestic violence, sexual assault, dating violence, and stalking in a comprehensive way.

The organizations that built the domestic violence movement did more than create services – they redefined what safety, dignity, and justice could look like. FCR is proud to be part of this legacy, beginning our services for survivors of domestic violence in 1977. Every hotline call answered, every family supported, and every community member educated builds on the foundation they created. We remain committed to ensuring every survivor has a place to turn, a voice that is heard, and a future shaped not by violence, but by possibility.

1 in 3 teens in the US will experience physical, sexual, or emotional abuse from someone they are in a relationship with before they turn 19. 

Family and Community Resources is proud to be entering our sixth year of the Healthy Relationships Program, in partnership with the Boys and Girls Club of Metro South and Friends and Mentors. We collaborate to hire 10 to 15 peer leaders - called Healthy Helpers - each school year and train them on safe dating practices, including setting boundaries, identifying red flags, and talking about consent. Of the program, Coordinator Alycia Montrond-Bullock shares that

"One of the most powerful parts is watching students find their voice and realize the impact they can have on others. The Healthy Helpers have shown so much leadership, compassion, and commitment to creating healthier and more respectful relationships within their community"

Right now, the Healthy Helpers are developing social media content, producing a podcast (the first episode of which will be available later this month), and are going out into the community to talk about safe dating at the New Heights Charter School and Haitian Community Partner's mentoring and tutoring program, and SET's Students Against Destructive Driving program. We are so proud of the work these young leaders are doing, and cannot wait to see the changes they help make possible!

Our food pantry is a lifeline for families escaping violence, offering not just food but a sense of security during an overwhelming transition. We need your help to refill our shelves so survivors and their children can count on nutritious meals as they work toward safety and independence.

Please Consider Donating:

• Juice & Water Bottles
• Fruits & Vegetables (Cans with Pull Tops)
• Tuna
• Rice & Beans
• Boxed Milk
• Pasta & Sauce
• Chef Boyardee Cups (Microwavable Only)
• Seasonings (Salt, Pepper, Sugar, etc.)

• Tea & Coffee
• Microwave Meals
• Cooking Oil
• Baby Food & Formula
• Kids Snacks
• PB & J
• Ramen
• Ziploc Bags

Call (508) 583-6498 or Email Charlie Martin with Any Questions or to Coordinate a Donation Drop Off

Our Team is Growing!

Marnay Acri-Burns

Human Trafficking Awareness & Prevention Advocate

I recently graduated from Massachusetts Maritime Academy with a bachelor’s degree in Emergency Management and a minor in Homeland Security. My previous professional experience includes work in Risk Mitigation and Business Continuity consulting. I have volunteered with Habitat for Humanity and Team Rubicon, which brought me across the country supporting communities in need. I’m passionate about helping others and enjoy weightlifting, crocheting, and graphic design in my free time.

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FCR EIN: 04-2616114