Did you know that domestic violence is believed
to be the most common, yet least reported
crime in America affecting an estimated
three to four million women each year? Domestic
violence occurs among all sectors of society.
It happens to people of all racial, economic
and religious groups.
It's a widely accepted fact that the breakdown
of the family leads to many of the social
problems our communities are facing. The
very term "broken home" has become somewhat
of a cliché. But, in fact, the problem is
quite real and its consequences are serious.
Victims are your neighbors, co-workers and
your friends - isn't it good to know they
have a place to turn?
The United Way of South Hampton Roads Foundation
is committed to taking measures to restore
the integrity of the family. The Family
Preservation and Abuse Prevention Fund will
develop supportive initiatives aimed at
helping families stay together through counseling,
crisis intervention, parenting skills training
and childcare. The fund will help to provide
shelters, a temporary home for battered
women and their children and provide them
with legal, psychological and social counseling.
It will develop a comprehensive educational
plan to increase public awareness of domestic
violence and options for intervention. And
finally, it will actively collaborate with
community agencies to provide continuing
support services.