What Is Domestic Violence? Domestic violence is a pattern of behavior in which one partner uses physical, emotional, or sexual violence, coercion, isolation, or economic abuse to control the other partner.

Do You Need Women Aware? If any of the following statements apply to you, then attending our meetings may help.

• You are now being abused, or have been physically or verbally abused in the past;
• You want to make changes in your life and be violence free, but don't know where to start;
• You feel as though you have no one to talk to about domestic violence and no one understands you.

How Does the Group Work? The group meets weekly for two hours. The first hour and one-half focuses on providing education about domestic violence and its impact on the family unit and how society contributes to domestic/family violence. The second part of the meeting focuses on women supporting women. This group provides a safe place for women to come together, explore their feelings and discuss what is important to them.

Is This Service Confidential? Members and their personal information are kept totally confidential. All services are strictly confidential as outlined in our agency Confidentiality Policy. As required by this policy, we must report all cases of suspected child abuse to Childline, the 24-hour Department of Public Welfare hotline. Women Aware provides you with information that may help you work toward a life free of abuse.

Is There a Fee? There is no fee for this program. Women Aware is sponsored by Family Services Incorporated, a private, nonprofit agency under the direction of a volunteer board of directors. We have served the county for more than 70 years.

Can I Refer Someone? We accept referrals from community agencies, professionals, family members, and friends.

How Can I Participate? If you would like to join Women Aware, call 814-944-3583 any weekday between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. or call our 24-hour hotline at 814-944-3585 or 1-800-500-2849.

What is Women Aware?

An educational support group for women who have been victims of domestic violence. The program's goals are:

To provide a safe, supportive environment so that battered women may share their feelings and know they are not alone;

To help individuals understand the problem, why it exists, and how it affects them and their children;

To provide information, options, and assistance in dealing with domestic violence.