Description
Domestic Violence Project, Inc. (DVPI), a private, non-profit organization established in 1978, provides safe shelter, legal advocacy, counseling, prevention and educational services for victims and their children throughout Stark County, Ohio. Committed to providing a strong, comprehensive safety net for the families in our community, DVPI clients are welcomed by a caring and compassionate staff offering supportive services necessary to establish an abuse-free lifestyle. All services are offered in an atmosphere of respect, dignity, cultural sensitivity and confidentiality.
Breaking the cycle of domestic violence begins with awareness and prevention. Currently, DVPI is providing prevention education in schools, outreach, literature distribution, public awareness speakers and sensitivity training for a variety of community partners touching more than 10,500 individuals during 2008. Seminars are presented to social workers, medical professionals, educators, counselors, clergy, court personnel and representatives of law enforcement who serve Stark County.
In addition, DVPI operates two, 24-hour, free emergency shelter facilities for victims of domestic violence and their children. Located in Canton and Massillon these facilities serve over 200 women and children annually. Each year, nearly half of our nights in the shelter are represented by children â€" 6,500 last year. During their stay, clients are provided counseling, childcare, legal advocacy and case management services, including a linkage to community resources. DVPI’s Renew Counseling and Recovery Center, offers counseling sessions by licensed and credentialed staff. The agency’s licensed art therapist works with children as they recover from domestic trauma.
Throughout our community we serve all walks of life, not turning anyone away. In 2008 our survivor demographics included an array of ethnicity and age. DVPI is a nondiscriminatory agency serving those who seek our services regardless of race, color, gender, national origin, disability, age, sexual orientation or religion. Our facility meets ADA requirements, is equipped with a TTY line and linked to interpreters when needed.
