The New York City-based effort was spearheaded by lawyers, civil servants, and activists who understood domestic abuse as a crime and violation of human rights, not merely a private family matter.
In the 1990s, the Center saw an opportunity to prevent domestic abuse by reaching out to high school students and developed the PEER curriculum (Pride Education Equality Respect).
The shelters provide a safe place for survivors and their children, and offer services to assist them as they work through the trauma of domestic violence.
Social workers provide counseling to students on a wide variety of subjects related to teen abuse, including: The Center has also partnered with the Bank Street College of Education’s Center for Emotionally Responsive Practice to develop a preventive healthy relationship curriculum for elementary school students.
Bilingual (English and Spanish) case managers coordinate services, educate the community about crime victim benefits and provide counseling to survivors of domestic violence.