By Beth Christian Broschart
The Parsons Advocate
PARSONS – Women’s Aid in Crisis Inc. now operates an outreach office in Tucker County to serve the needs of those in the area. They were established in 1979 as a private, non-profit corporation to provide comprehensive services to victims of domestic violence, sexual assault and stalking.
WAIC serves a six-county area including Tucker, Randolph, Upshur, Barbour, Webster and Braxton counties. The main office and shelter are located in Randolph County, and the Tucker County outreach office has office hours from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Women’s Aid in Crisis is one of 14 licensed domestic violence programs in the state and is a member of the West Virginia Coalition against Domestic Violence, and is a member of the West Virginia Foundation for Rape Information and Services. It is one of nine centers throughout West Virginia providing services to victims of sexual assault.
Services provided by Women’s Aid in Crisis include advocacy services for adult and child victims of domestic violence, sexual violence or stalking; emergency shelter; 24-hour crisis hotline; outreach services; legal services including pro bono attorney services for domestic violence petitions, custody and divorce; prevention education programs within the schools and community organizations; awareness activities; information and referral; training presentations to schools, community organizations and civic organizations; life skills and parenting classes; assistance with medical needs; emergency transportation, relocation services and transitional housing. There is a fee associated with the transitional housing service.
Women’s Aid in Crisis provides services to all regardless of race, sex, religion, disability, economic status, sexual orientation or national origin.
Additional information about the Tucker County Outreach office of Women’s Aid in Crisis is available by calling 304-478-3338 or 800-339-1185. The mailing address for the Tucker County Outreach office is P.O. Box 71, Parsons, W.Va., 26287.