History

In 1981, a small group of women banded together to start the Plymouth Task Force Against Domestic Violence. There were no paid staff, no “home” office. It was about as grassroots as an organization could get. But, the need was so great; volunteers used their personal residences to shelter women who were victims of domestic violence.

Addressing a growing need in the community and to leverage outside funding opportunities, in 1982, the group registered with the state of New Hampshire and became an official non-profit agency.  In 1989, services were expanded to support survivors of sexual assault. One year later, the first paid staffs were hired. In 1991 we purchased and renovated a house so that we could safely shelter women and their children who needed to flee from their homes. In 1992 we established a child advocacy program to better serve the children in our support groups and in our shelter.

In 2001, after 20 years of service to the community, the group became Voices Against Violence. An executive director, full-time staff, Board of Directors and trained volunteers all work to provide services to victims of domestic and sexual violence throughout an 18-town catchment area, located in the lower Grafton County.

We have taken thousands of crisis line calls and have offered information and support, court advocacy, support groups for women and children and community education to 18 towns. Domestic and sexual violence is so pervasive, our services are desperately needed.

The work of Voices Against Violence is accomplished by an extraordinary dedicated group of staff, volunteers, and board members. Volunteers donate thousands of hours of time to Voices Against Violence every year. All efforts are extremely valuable and assist in making this work happen.

Voices Against Violence is a proud member of the New Hampshire Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence.