| Statement of Philosophy The
Women's Crisis Center believes the roots of violence against women lie
in the historical structure of societies that condone violence as a
method of control. We believe that all people have suffered the
consequences of society's denigration of women. The
Women's Crisis Center passionately honors the work our foremothers in
the battered women's movement have passed on to us. The
philosophies and ideals of those battered women who began our movement,
not only assisted women in crisis, but also challenged the systems that
serve to maintain power and control over women and children. We
base our work on the endowment handed to us through the work of these
women. We
believe in women helping women. We believe that women who have
been raped, battered, physically or emotionally abused can find support
by the kind of safety and encouragement provided by other
women. We believe that this work can be done best by staff
and community volunteers who are trained to share their experience,
strength and courage with women and children in crisis. We
offer women confidential, individual-centered safety planning, shelter,
peer support, advocacy, education and information. We also offer
our experience and perspective to the community in order to work toward
ending the historical cycle of violence against women and
children. Our
education and prevention efforts seek to work with a community of women
and men, youth and children, who recognize the cultural significance of
violence against women and who accept the challenge of creating a
community in which coercive violence is not tolerated. Governing Principles: All
actions, plans and programs of the board, staff, volunteers or anyone
acting on behalf of the Women's Crisis Center will: - seek to expand opportunities for all women and will oppose the limiting of choices for women;
- aspire to diversity and will oppose the oppression of any individual(s);
- maintain the confidentiality of all;
- consider the safety concerns and ramifications of all;
- acknowledge
the power inherent to each woman to make decisions for herself that
serve her own best interests.
WOMEN'S CRISIS CENTER PO BOX 933 BRATTLEBORO,VERMONT 802-257-7364 | 
