Dating Violence Prevention
The Dating Violence Prevention program strives to help teach the youth skills to understand healthy relationships through an 8-week program to hopefully conquer abuse and halt the cycle of domestic violence. Using “Safe Dates”, this program has eight sessions that help teens to recognize the difference between supportive relationships and abusive, manipulative, or controlling relationships by using skill building and real examples to go beyond statistics. The mission of Domestic Violence Services of Southwestern Pennsylvania (DVSSP) is to increase awareness of domestic violence and its effect on the community, to empower those victimized by providing advocacy and safe and effective services, and to work for social change designed to eliminate domestic violence. DVSSP is the only agency in Washington County to provide services specifically to domestic violence victims, as well as offer evidence-based domestic violence prevention programs in schools.
Shelter Counseling Program
The Shelter Counseling Program aims to provide a safe, confidential, and inclusive shelter to men, women, and children that are victims of domestic violence by providing a 15-bed capacity shelter, 24-hour hotline, and other services. In addition to the temporary shelter, services such as 24-hour transportation, legal advocacy, counseling, therapy, food, clothing, and personal care items are provided to the residents. DVSSP is the only entity in Washington County that provides these services specifically to domestic violence victims. In Washington County, DVSSP continues to be accessible and responsive to the diverse needs of domestic violence victims in a variety of ways. For those who need safe and immediate emergency shelter, DVSSP offers intakes 24/7. The goal of this program is that victims who reside in the shelter for a minimum of two weeks and participate in individual and support group services will be less likely to return to their abusive partner.