Jan 20, 2025
Learn how Domestic Shelters is serving abuse survivors as one of the largest domestic violence resources on the internet.
Domestic Shelters: Leading the Digital Charge in Domestic Violence Resources
In an interview with DomesticShelters.org’s Director of Content, Hannah Craig, we gained insight into the significant impact and ongoing mission of DomesticShelters.org—a critical resource for those affected by domestic violence.
What Is DomesticShelters.org?
According to its About Page, DomesticShelters.org is “the first and largest online and mobile searchable directory of domestic violence programs and shelters in the U.S. and Canada, and a leading source of tools and information for people experiencing and working to end domestic violence.” Since its founding, the site has connected millions to life-saving resources, offering vital support for survivors and advocates alike.
History and Founding
DomesticShelters.org was launched in 2014 by Chris McMurry as a program under Theresa’s Fund, an Arizona-based nonprofit founded in 1992 by Preston V. McMurry. Recognizing a critical need for centralized domestic violence resources the platform was created to connect survivors with essential information. Over the years, DomesticShelters.org has grown to reach nearly 3 million people each year, and on May 1, 2023, it merged with Alliance for Hope International, furthering its mission on a larger scale.
Mission and Vision
At its core, DomesticShelters.org aims to make domestic violence services more accessible. According to its mission statement, “DomesticShelters.org works to make more people aware of the services available for those experiencing domestic violence and make it faster and easier for victims of domestic violence and their friends/family, as well as program and shelter providers, to quickly find services and information best suited to their location, language, and needs.”
"For me," Craig shared, "it’s about connecting people with free resources and content. We help people identify abuse, find support to escape, and heal from trauma. We also help educate and empower DV professionals. Supporting just one advocate can have an exponential impact on all their clients."
An Extensive Resource for Domestic Violence Support
As the largest online directory of domestic violence programs in North America, DomesticShelters.org provides a wealth of information through its “Get Help” tool. This feature allows survivors to locate nearby program and find crucial details, including contact information, operating hours, and special accommodations such as child- or pet-friendly services.
The site also features over 1,300 articles covering a range of domestic violence topics and resources. “Approximately seventy-five percent of people go online before making a major decision,” Craig noted. “People search online for information about abuse, so our content meets that need directly.”
A Hope-Centric Approach
Under the banner of Alliance for Hope International, DomesticShelters.org utilizes a hope-centered model for its advocacy. The Alliance’s President, Casey Gwinn, and Dr. Chan Hellman discussed this in their 2018 book Hope Rising: How the Science of Hope Can Change Your Life, stating that “hope is the single best predictor of well-being in trauma recovery.”
The website’s approach centers on instilling hope for survivors, emphasizing actionable steps that help victims feel empowered. “When we provide answers, we focus on real, actionable information to support survivors and DV professionals,” Craig explained. “These are steps people can take, individuals they can reach out to, and places they can go to find a path forward.”
Commitment to Accessibility
DomesticShelters.org places high importance on accessibility. “There are 10 million searches each month on Google for DV-related terms,” Craig shared, underscoring the importance of accessible information. “Domestic violence affects people from all walks of life, including those with disabilities. We are committed to meeting people where they are.”
In 2022, the website underwent a major refresh to enhance accessibility, adding tools from AccessiBe to allow users to customize their browsing experience.
Featured Initiatives
The Purple Ribbon Awards
This unique awards program celebrates the unsung heroes in the domestic violence movement, recognizing advocates, programs, shelters, and community supporters across 42 categories, from Podcast of the Year to law enforcement recognition. “Domestic violence work is challenging,” Craig said. “We believe in collaboration, not competition. Recognizing hard work in this space inspires and empowers us all.”
Monthly Webinar Series
Through DomesticShelters.org webinars, the organization offers free monthly training for domestic violence professionals, covering essential topics like cyberstalking, coercive control, and the link between pets and domestic violence.
Family Justice Center Alliance Conference
As a program of Alliance for HOPE, DomesticShelters.org participates in this annual event geared toward advocates, where they will run workshops on various subjects, for example, how programs can improve discoverability and reach more survivors.
This year, the conference will be held April 29 - May 1, 2025 in San Diego, CA. To learn more, click here.
How to Donate to Domesticshelters.org
You can donate to Domesticshelters.org here.
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If you or anyone you know is experiencing abuse in a relationship, seek help. You are not alone. YOU MATTER!
