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HAWC Fiscal Year 2015 Report to Town of Boxford

Founded in 1978, the mission of HAWC (Healing Abuse Working for Change) is to create
social change by taking action against personal and societal patterns of violence and
oppression. HAWC provides services and support to victims of domestic abuse residing in
the 23 cities and towns on the North Shore in order that they may make informed,
independent decisions about their futures.

HAWC provides free, comprehensive services to victims of domestic violence and their
children including: a 24-hour hotline, emergency family shelter, individual advocacy,
support groups, court advocacy, a Parent-Child Trauma Recovery Program, family law and
immigration law, and community outreach and education.

HAWC’s staff, Board, volunteers and community-wide partners envision a world where
relationships are built upon mutual respect and partnership and where home is a place of
nurturing and renewal. Our programs are trauma-informed and based on an empowerment
model. We view domestic violence in the context of other social oppressions (racism,
classism, sexism, heterosexism, etc.) with the goal of altering social norms and public
policies that support them. HAWC staff members reflect the racial, ethnic, sexual
orientation, gender and linguistic backgrounds of the diverse communities we serve. All
staff and volunteers have been trained in best practices for serving clients of all
backgrounds and walks of life.

Domestic abuse takes many forms but its goal is always the same: to control one’s partner.
Tactics of control include emotional, physical, economic, social/cultural, and sexual abuse.
HAWC and its staff are dedicated to providing support to any one in our service area who
may be experiencing any of these forms of abuse.

In Fiscal Year 2015, HAWC served 2,131 people and provided the following services:

1,033 individuals called our hotline a total of 2,435 times for information and support
945 individuals received short-term one-on-one advocacy
64 people attended a total of 184 support group meetings
36 children received counseling through our Parent-Child Trauma Recovery Program
1,066 clients received legal assistance
50 high-risk cases were reviewed for on-going safety planning to prevent homicide.
50 individuals entered into HAWC’s Emergency Shelter
133 clients received services through our partnership with North Shore Medical Center.

BOXFORD HISTORIC DOCUMENT CENTER

CELEBRATING 40 YEARS OF DOCUMENTING BOXFORD’S HISTORY

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