You Are Not Alone

Empowerhouse Can Help

By Nancy Kelly

Girls and women between the ages of 16-24 are almost three times more likely to experience violent relationships than women of any other age. 1 in 4 women in the U.S. are victims of intimate partner violence.

Those who abuse their partners seek to exert power and control over their victims and to isolate them from family, friends, and colleagues At Empowerhouse, we want survivors of domestic violence and their children to know that you are not alone. We are here to help you find safety, healing, and supportive services.

Since 1978, Empowerhouse has given survivors of domestic violence the time, space, and tools to heal their hearts, restore their connections, and renew their spirits. We empower survivors and their children to believe in themselves and build new lives filled with dignity, respect, safety, and hope.

We are dedicated to breaking the cycle of violence through shelter, advocacy, education, awareness, prevention, and intervention. Empowerhouse provides connection, assistance, and support with:

Our 24-hour confidential hotline

Our court advocacy and healthcare services accompaniment

Our 24-hour residential shelter

Our housing assistance and services program

Crisis intervention and advocacy

Support/education groups for women

Teen Girls Groups for teens witnessing domestic violence or in atrisk relationships

Risk assessment and safety planning

Spanish language and culturally relevant services

Our free, age-appropriate Healthy Relationships classroom presentations, which we bring to area elementary, middle, and high school students, and cover various topics like bullying, boundaries, equality and respect, warning signs of teen dating violence, and effective communication.

Last year, Empowerhouse launched our successful Lethality Assessment Protocol (LAP) partnership with the Stafford County Sheriff's Office, which identifies high-danger survivors of domestic violence in their homes and immediately connects victims to one number answered by a dedicated Empowerhouse advocate using new cell phones and technology.

From our six months of LAP data, we know that of the high-danger victims, 85% of those receiving follow-up services had never heard of Empowerhouse, 61% of their abusive partners had access to a firearm, 75% of the victims had been strangled and 68% of the victims were stalked by their abusive partners. The LAP program's immediate connection from the scene to a vital live support system allows a safe escape for domestic violence survivors and their children, prevents further harm, and saves lives.

We are thrilled that we will be able to continue and expand the groundbreaking LAP program and help women in immediate danger thanks to a very generous $50,000 grant made possible with support from the Women and Girls Fund of The Community Foundation This is one more way that Empowerhouse is here for survivors of domestic violence and their children when they need us most. We care about you. You are not alone.

To learn more about Empowerhouse, please visit our website If you, or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, please call our 24-hhour confidential hotline at (540) 373-99373

Are you looking for a fun and educational experience for your child this summer? If your kids have a passion for animals, the Fredericksburg SPCA has got you covered! Compassionate Care Camp offers a week of exciting activities, learning opportunities, and hands-on experiences with pets. Camp sessions are available for kids aged 6-9 and 10-13, running from June 12 - August 4, Monday through Friday, for three hours each day at the Fred SPCA facility.

The focus of this camp is to educate kids on humane practices, responsible care & treatment of animals while also providing hands-oon experiences to those interested in animal career fields Some of the most popular activities include: reading to cats and kittens, making cat boxes & pupscicles, tie-dying camp shirts, puppy playtime, and getting the opportunity to visit the veterinary team as they work! Kids can also look forward to educational activities throughout the day to encourage how to make a difference in the lives of animals in their communities, country, and the world.

Emails from past participants have shared their gratitude and love for Compassionate Care Camp as it has grown over the years.