Women In Distress
24-Hour Crisis Hotline: 954-761-1133
Women In Distress is the only nationally accredited, state-certified, full-service domestic violence center serving Broward County, Florida. Our mission is to stop domestic violence abuse for everyone through intervention, education and advocacy. Our confidential services are offered free of charge to victims of domestic violence no matter their age, gender, race or socio-economic status.
Programs & Services
At Women In Distress, we know that at the heart of a community are the families that live there. That is why we are committed to providing the highest level of quality programs and services to help keep families safe in Broward County.
Our confidential services are offered, free of charge, to victims of domestic violence no matter their race, sex, age, religion, mental or physical disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran or military status, immigration status or language spoken.
Women In Distress currently operates a 132 emergency bed shelter, as well as provides ongoing counseling and support groups for those not in need of emergency shelter. Each of our services are offered in English, Spanish, Creole and Portuguese.
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Victims of domestic violence and their children in our shelter program are provided with a safe environment and supportive services such as basic necessities, advocacy and children’s services. Ultimately, our goal is to help them to build and sustain independence in a violence free life.
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The 24-hour crisis hotline is operational 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year. This service is available to victims of domestic violence and the community as a source of information and support.
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Outreach services include counseling, therapy, advocacy and case management. Advocates assist participants in learning about their rights as victims of domestic violence, and facilitate access to public resources. These services are offered at the Jim & Jan Moran Family Center, as well as multiple satellite locations throughout Broward County.
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The children’s program seeks to improve the lives of youth who have been exposed to domestic violence through a variety of services including respite care, parenting classes family strengthening counseling, individual counseling, adolescent groups and children’s groups.
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The Education & Prevention team works toward a community free of domestic violence through educational programs, awareness and prevention activities targeted to diverse groups such as schools, community groups, faith-based communities, men and boys groups and multicultural groups.
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The Thrift Store, located at 1372 N. State Road 7 in Margate, provides clothing, furniture, and household items to all Women In Distress participants at no charge. In addition, it also generates income to support our critical programs & services through sales to the general public.
What You Need to Know
A survivor’s first step to accessing Women In Distress’ services is to call our 24-hour crisis hotline. An advocate will immediately answer the call and provide information about services and the next steps to keep the victim and their children safe. The family will be brought to shelter, if needed and available, or to counseling services at our Jim & Jan Moran Family Center.
After the initial call to the 24-hour crisis hotline, an advocate will greet the victim, assess their needs, provide resources, educate them on the dynamics of domestic abuse and assist with individual safety planning in order to encourage the victim to plan for a secure place if not in shelter.
Services for Male Survivors of Domestic Violence
Domestic violence cuts across all boundaries–class, wealth, race, and in particular, gender. Unfortunately, the history of the anti-domestic violence movement has meant that women have been recognized as victims long before men. As a result, there are still very few services in the domestic violence community designed specifically for men as victims.
At Women In Distress, we are changing that. We have seen a significant increase in male survivors seeking services and, as a result, we now provide support groups, shelter and other services for men who are survivors of dating violence or domestic abuse. It allows a safe space for men to talk openly and without judgment about their unique experiences so that they can better understand their situations and find the tools necessary to positively impact their future.
