A source for prevention, support and

healing for L.I. abuse victims since 1976

In 1976, we were incorporated as the Long Island Woman’s Coalition, a 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization. We were among the first to establish a 24-hour crisis hotline in our area. Volunteers opened their homes and hearts by providing “safe houses” and support services for victims.

In 1983, funding was secured to open the Safe Harbor shelter, the first shelter in Suffolk County specifically for victims of domestic violence. Safe Harbor provides safety, shelter and core services to help victims flee abuse, develop an action plan and find permanent housing, all in a supportive environment.

In 1989, we launched the Domestic Violence Precinct Outreach Project, which placed a domestic violence advocate in each Suffolk County Police Dept. precinct to serve as a resource and directly serve clients. It was the first program of its kind in the nation.

In 2000, our name was changed to the Suffolk County Coalition Against Domestic Violence.

Today, as L.I. Against Domestic Violence, we have expanded to offer a holistic array of services to address all aspects of both female and male victims’ lives – including counseling, courtroom advocacy, legal assistance, vocational and financial training.  Our partnership with the Suffolk County Police Department has expanded significantly therefore enhancing the services we provide to survivors. We now provide support, through our language line, in over 120 languages. LIADV also reaches out to classrooms and the community with education to break the cycle of violence and raise awareness that domestic abuse is a serious crime and a major public health problem requiring a coordinated community response.

In 2017, having long recognized the intersection between domestic violence and animal cruelty, we became the first and only domestic violence shelter on Long Island to allow companion animals to enter our shelter along with their families.  This not only keeps the animal safe but keeps the family unit intact and aids in the healing process.

In 2020, we expanded our services and became a New York State certified Rape Crisis Program. This has enhanced our response to survivors of domestic violence who are also experiencing sexual abuse as well as the ability to serve those who have experience sexual violence at the hands of a non-intimate partner.