Support Women & Children in Armenia Fleeing Abuse

Dear WSC supporters,

We are thrilled to report that, to date, we have raised $21,134 to provide shelter assistance to 50 women and children survivors of domestic violence. With your support, all funds are being used toward room and board, food, hygienic items, and medical care for all those across Armenia who reach out for assistance throughout the year. In the absence of state support, our ability to offer shelter assistance is – with no exaggeration – a lifesaver for women and children escaping dangerous home environments.  

The women and children staying at our shelter are escaping extremely dangerous home environments. Given the absence of a domestic violence law and life-saving support mechanisms like restraining orders, many stay at our shelters during the entire length of their court trials due to safety concerns. Just yesterday, we were threatened outside of a court house and held at a police station for the entire day until we could escort our beneficary to safety (for more information, see: http://www.aravot.am/2017/05/25/887828/). Cases like these take all of our energy and resources. That's why we are grateful to have supporters like you who are making a difference in the lives of women and children survivors in Armenia by ensuring that they have a safe place to live temporarily until they can safely reintegrate into society.

The survivors who seek our support know that the shelter is more than simply a temporary safe haven to call home. Offering shelter assistance enables survivors and their children to overcome the devastating impact of trauma and take part in all the activities we offer, including a full range of walk-in services, counseling, legal support, educational activities, an economic empowerment program, therapeutic yoga, and more. By supporting our mission, you are helping to ensure that women not only live abuse-free lives but care for their families and rebuild their hope for the future. This is truly a gift for so many, and for that we are eternally grateful to you.

With great appreciation,

Women's Support Center staff