Domestic Violence Service Center

In 1976, a group of volunteers came together with a vision that would give battered women and their children hope of a violence-free future. The passionate and dedicated group established a task force which resulted in the founding of the Pennsylvania Coalition Against Domestic Violence. The actions of the volunteers made Pennsylvania the first state in the U.S. to have such a coalition. In 1978, the same task force established the first shelter in Northeast Pennsylvania for battered women and their children. Within a week, the shelter was filled to capacity.

Celebrating 40 years of service, DVSC now serves Luzerne and Carbon Counties. DVSC offers emergency shelter and direct services to battered women and their children. DVSC’s Bridge Housing Program provides transitional housing for battered and homeless women and their children.

In addition to emergency shelter and transitional housing, DVSC offers a wide range of free and confidential services including a 24-hour hotline for information and referral, crisis intervention, supportive counseling or a sympathetic shoulder to cry on. Other free services include supportive options counseling, individual and group counseling for residents and non-residents, advocacy, court advocacy and accompaniment related to Protection From Abuse Orders, community outreach and education, life skills and parenting training, medical and mental health advocacy and trainings for professionals.

The mission of DVSC is to work toward the elimination of domestic violence. As we carry on our mission for a violence-free tomorrow, DVSC strives to continue to provide safety, empowerment and self-sufficiency to the victims whose lives have been so tragically altered by violence.