Domestic Violence Services of Southwestern PA

Domestic Violence Services of Southwestern Pennsylvania (DVSSP) – formerly Washington Women’s Shelter, Inc. – has been providing safe housing and other domestic violence-related services in Washington County since 1984.

DVSSP is committed to supporting individuals and their children who have experienced or witnessed abuse—whether emotional, financial, digital, sexual, or physical. We provide a safe, non-judgmental environment for survivors seeking safety from abuse.

Our mission extends beyond crisis response, working to end domestic violence by empowering survivors, raising awareness, and creating safer communities.

Our services include emergency safe houses, a 24/7 helpline, individual and group therapy, mobile advocacy and empowerment, legal advocacy and accompaniment, housing case management services, and prevention and outreach programs, as well as essential resources such as food, clothing, and personal care items for residents.

The greatest need at DVSSP remains financial donations, which provide the flexibility to meet the urgent and often unexpected needs of survivors. While grants may fund specific programs, financial donations fill critical gaps—ensuring we can respond immediately to unique challenges survivors face on their path to independence.

Your donation makes a direct and tangible impact. Consider some of these recent client needs we fulfilled thanks to the generosity of our donors:
• A new business membership to help a survivor grow her small business and support her children.
• A new car battery so a mother and her five children could safely reach their family’s home after fleeing an abuser.
• Steel-toed boots and scrubs so survivors could begin new jobs with confidence.
• Tuition assistance so a survivor could provide a stable education for her child while rebuilding their future.
• Self-defense classes to empower a survivor still facing harassment from an abusive ex.
• A new suit for a teenager to attend his high school graduation.
• Last-minute Christmas gifts for children whose mother lost everything escaping their abusive situation.

The needs of those we serve are as unique as the individuals themselves. Survivors don’t just need shelter. They need stability, empowerment, and a path forward. Your donation ensures we can continue to say “yes” when survivors need help beyond what grants can provide.