PASSAIC COUNTY WOMEN’S CENTER (P.C.W.C.)

The Passaic County Women’s Center (PCWC), opened in 1986 with a mandate as the only shelter in the county exclusively serving battered women and their children, PCWC has expanded its services to include a variety of programs addressing the complex problems of both domestic violence and sexual assault.

PCWC is open and operational 24 hours per day, 365 days per year.  Services are accessed through the 24-hour hotline, either directly by clients or through referral sources.  The domestic violence program provides emergency shelter for women and their children as well as full spectrum of ancillary support services.  Any woman who is physically and mentally able to care for herself and her children in a congregate living environment and who is homeless as a result of domestic violence or sexual assault is eligible for PCWC shelter services.  Though the center serves primarily mothers and their minor children, single battered women without children are also eligible.

Extensive services are available to any adult resident of Passaic County, whether or not they are in need of shelter.  These services include individual and group counseling and case management.  A full time Legal Advocate is located at the Family Court, and her work there has increased the Center’s capacity to reach domestic violence victims who might not otherwise have sought help.  A full time children’s advocate addresses the educational requirements and emotional needs of the children living in shelter.  In concert with members of an extensive network of domestic violence programs throughout the state, PCWC can assist clients who choose to relocate to escape further violence.  If space is not available within the PCWC shelter, the staff will advocate on behalf of the client within the network of shelter providers, and forget the necessary linkages.

The sexual assault program staff provides crisis intervention, emotional support, information and referral services through the 24 hour hotline, companionship during medical attention and criminal justice procedures, and support groups for survivors, as well as outreach and community education.

The problem of sexual violence is addressed through a broad range of activities, including direct services and education prevention programs amid at reducing the incidents of sexual assault in Passaic County.  Services are free and confidential.

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