Emergency Shelter - Women in Distress

In the past year alone, the shelter has provided 45,618 safe shelter nights for survivors of domestic violence and their children.

On average families stay 56 nights at our shelter during which they receive services including housing, crisis intervention, therapy and advocacy assistance, as well as food, clothing and household supplies, as needed. Women In Distress is committed to serving all individuals living in unsafe situations because of domestic violence, including those with special needs. Our services are also available to male survivors, the LGBTQ community and those with disabilities.

Through our emergency shelter program, victims of domestic violence and their children are given a safe environment and provided with supportive services, helping participants to rebuild and sustain independence and a violence-free future. Women In Distress’ services are designed to address individual needs and empower survivors to live a self-determined, violence-free life.

What You Need to Know

A survivor’s first step to accessing Women In Distress’ services is to call our 24-hour crisis hotline 954-761-1133 (TTY/TDD 711) or via walk in. If contacting the hotline, an advocate will immediately answer the call and provide information about services and the next steps to keep the victim and their children safe. The family will be brought to shelter, if needed and available, or to counseling services at our Jim & Jan Moran Family Center.

Services for Male Survivors of Domestic Violence

Domestic violence cuts across all boundaries–class, wealth, race, and in particular, gender. Unfortunately, the history of the anti-domestic violence movement has meant that women have been recognized as victims long before men. As a result, there are still very few services in the domestic violence community designed specifically for men as victims.

At Women In Distress, we are changing that. We have seen a significant increase in male survivors seeking services and, as a result, we now provide support groups, shelter and other services for men who are survivors of dating violence or domestic abuse. It allows a safe space for men to talk openly and without judgment about their unique experiences so that they can better understand their situations and find the tools necessary to positively impact their future.