Safety, strength & self-reliance for survivors

Give hope this holiday season

We hold immense gratitude for our friends and families — especially the courageous adult and child survivors who come to us for life-saving help to escape domestic violence. Their indomitable spirit of resilience is a testament to the power of hope, community, and fortitude.

Haylee shares her own inspiring story of transformation and the impact of our programs:

“Before coming to YWCA, I was living to survive in the middle of my trauma. I felt trapped and like a prisoner to my situation. At every turn, I was ridiculed, harassed, stalked, controlled, manipulated, and coerced all in front of my daughter. I was scared and worried about how worse things would be if I tried to escape. As the abuse continued, I was terrified that my child would be hurt next. Desperately, I called the YWCA crisis hotline for help.

With their support and guidance, I was able to leave and begin to reclaim our peace and safety. They provided me with housing, childcare, legal services, and financial aid — long enough for me to sustain a full-time job with healthcare benefits for my family — long enough for me to fight in court and obtain full custody of my daughter — long enough for me to save money, pay down debt, and move into a home of my own. My daughter was able to thrive in a safe environment and I was able to overcome unimaginable challenges. Today, I am financially stable and pursuing my graduate degree. I am stronger in all aspects of my life because of YWCA.”

Will you join us this holiday season to help more survivors thrive like Haylee and her daughter? Thanks to a generous matching gift from Norinne McKinney, your donation will be doubled dollar-for-dollar, up to $25,000!

As we continue to empower survivors through gender-inclusive safe housing solutions and comprehensive support, we can ensure brighter futures for those we serve. Our strength lies in our solidarity to confront their challenges and advocate for peace, justice, dignity, and lasting freedom from violence and abuse.

Give Safety, Strength & Self-Reliance
Survivors: Mother and Daughter

Our Impact is Powered by Donors Like You

YWCA San Diego County empowers individuals and families to break the cycle of domestic violence and homelessness, and achieve self-sufficiency. Building upon a historic legacy, we are committed to empowering women, eliminating racism, and advocating for peace, justice, freedom, and dignity for all people.

With your support, we provide safe housing solutions and comprehensive services for adults and children who seek refuge, healing, and hope. After completing our longer-term housing and advocacy programs, survivors build a strong foundation for lasting independence:

  • 98% do not return to their abusers and break the cycle of domestic violence
  • 98% improve self-confidence, life skills, and economic stability
  • 100% gain homes of their own and increase self-reliance

Crisis Interventions

Immediate protection and safety planning for people experiencing domestic violence and abuse

Housing & Shelter

Stable housing and homeless prevention services to support adult and child survivors

Advocacy & Support

Integrated services to assist survivors with healing, stability planning, and legal protections

Domestic Violence: Indiscriminate and Pervasive

  • 1 in 4 women, 1 in 7 men, and 1 in 2 trans and nonbinary people experience domestic violence in their lifetimes.

  • 1 in 5 children and youth experience domestic violence and are 3x more likely to become victims or abusers in the future

  • 99% of domestic violence cases involve financial abuse, including forced job loss, damaged credit history, and substantial debt

  • 57% of women facing homelessness attribute domestic violence as the immediate cause

  • In San Diego County, nearly 17,000 domestic violence incidents are reported to law enforcement every year, although most are never reported