The term “domestic violence” started to appear in the United States in the 1970s. By 1976, the first domestic violence shelter in the U.S. opened in New York. Safeplace became incorporated in 1979 by a small group of concerned citizens who called themselves the lunch sack group. This group met once a week for a few years as they worked to bring Safeplace into being. In June of 1981, Safeplace opened its doors, and the shelter was filled to capacity on the first day. Since that time, with the help of federal and state funding, independent grants, and a tremendous amount of community contributions, Safeplace has grown into a comprehensive domestic violence program with two shelter locations, five outreach offices, and a vast array of services designed to eliminate barriers for victims.

Our mission is to promote healthy relationships by providing education, intervention, and safe places. 

We whole-heartedly believe in our clients’ self-determination, and we’re dedicated to living in a world where family and intimate partner violence does not exist.