In August of 1978, a corporation by the name of Concerned Citizens Against Violence Against Women was formed.  Through C.C.A.V.A.W.'s efforts, funding was obtained and, in April of 1979, the dream of a shelter became a reality. Women and children now have a safe place to turn when challenged with domestic violence - a Turning Point that enables survivors of domestic violence to live a life free of violence.

Since its inception, telephone calls to Turning Point (with the exception of 1988) have steadily increased. Non-resident services, enacted in 1987, saw a dramatic increase in 1995. Additionally, shelter stay for women and children has stayed above the 300 mark since 1984.

While these numbers might be disheartening on the one hand, on the other hand they confirm the need for the many ways in which Turning Point has provided support for survivors of domestic violence. In an ideal world there would be no horror stories to tell of events that happen behind closed doors. In an ideal world the home would stand for a place of peace and comfort. For now, there is no ideal world. Until that world emerges, Turning Point will continue to extend its services to those people seeking the serenity of safety.

Brief History of the Batterd Women's Movement

Prior to the 1970's, partner abuse remained a horror that was housed behind closed doors. It was not until women gathered in the late 1960s to share their stories that violence in the home became a public issue. With this emergence of women's voices came what is known as the modern women's movement.

The modern women's movement challenged the existing conditions of women as served as a catalyst for the battered women's movement that emerged in the 1970s. In the following years, the battered women's movement dramatically changed society's response to domestic violence.

In the early 1970s, there were no battered women's shelters in existence. Today, there are more than 1,500 shelters serving women, children and men who are victims of domestic violence.