In Crisis?

Speak to an Advocate, call our 24/7 DV Hotline:
419-241-7386 or Toll Free 888-341-7386

Domestic Violence Shelter ↘

Serving those in need regardless of Gender, Race, Age, or Background

Our Emergency Domestic Violence Shelter provides a safe haven and comprehensive support for individuals and families affected by domestic violence. As a vital resource in the community, the shelter offers a secure environment where survivors can find refuge from abusive situations. Beyond just providing a physical space, the YWCA’s shelter is committed to addressing the emotional, psychological, and practical needs of survivors. With a compassionate and dedicated team, we offer counseling, advocacy, legal assistance, and empowerment programs, empowering survivors to rebuild their lives and break the cycle of violence. Through its unwavering commitment to fostering healing, resilience, and independence, the YWCA of Northwest Ohio Domestic Violence Shelter stands as a beacon of hope and strength for those seeking to escape domestic violence and find a path toward a brighter future.

The YWCA Domestic Violence Shelter is the ONLY Emergency Domestic Violence Shelter in Lucas County and is a 17-room, 46-bed facility providing services for survivors of domestic violence. Our Capital Campaign will improve and expand our Shelter.

We are committed to helping you every step of your journey to a life free from abuse. Our knowledgeable and trauma-informed staff with be there to support you from your first contact with us until you reach your independent living goals.

Join our Domestic Violence Support Group
Open to all survivors of domestic violence, meeting every other Monday from 5:30-6:30 PM.

Services Offered Include:       

  • 24/7 Crisis Hotline

  • 24/7 Intakes

  • Court Advocacy

  • Safety Planning

  • Emotional Support

  • Domestic Violence Support Groups

  • Transportation

  • Safe Space for Endangered Pets

  • Community Outreach + Community Education

  • Children’s Activities and Advocacy

  • Economic Empowerment Groups

  • Linkage to Community Resources

  • Assistance with Independent Housing

  • Domestic Violence ‘Step-Down Housing’ for domestic violence survivors exiting our 60-day Emergency Domestic Violence Shelter

Our services are offered to ALL survivors, including those living within our shelter facility and outreach survivors who are not staying in our shelter. Please call our hotline for assistance.

We also offer an extensive training program which is available for medical professionals, salon professionals, teachers, college students, churches, and other interested groups. Call 888-341-7386 for more information.

DVS Step-Down Housing

In February 2018, in an effort to manage our increased numbers of survivors served by our Emergency DVS, the YWCA opened the DVS Step-Down House which provides temporary housing to bridge the gap from our emergency shelter to permanent housing. We offer safe and clean shelter, support, life skills, education, and training. The overall objective is to provide survivors with the structure, modeling, and support needed to develop the skills necessary to acheive self-sufficiency and permanent housing

How You Can Help

If you or your group would like to do something about domestic violence, there are many ways in which you can make a difference:

Contributions  – The Shelter welcomes both monetary and in-kind donations.

Daily Needs – These range from laundry detergent to educational toys for the children’s area. 

Volunteering – The Shelter has a variety of volunteer opportunities for individuals and groups.

Community Education – Learn more about domestic violence by scheduling a Shelter speaker for your school, group, or religious organization

Holiday Gifts — We accept donations of new toys and gifts for the holidays. Make an impact on the children staying in our shelter with donations to be used as Christmas/Holiday gifts during the winter season.

Learn more about Domestic Violence.

Learn about Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault, Stalking, Facts, Awareness, and how to identify if you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence.