The History of PCADV

Starting with a Handful of Women

In 1976, a handful of women from across Pennsylvania joined forces to advocate for passage of their state´s first domestic violence law and to coordinate first domestic violence law and to coordinate a network of services for victims of domestic violence that eventually would extend to all corners of the Commonwealth.

Creating a Vision for Safety

With very little else other than their own ingenuity and dedication, these advocates came together with a vision for a state where women and children could live free from fear and violence in their own homes.

Uniting in a Shared Mission

Their successful effort formed the foundation for the Pennsylvania Coalition Against Domestic Violence (PCADV), the nations first state domestic violence coalition. PCADV is a private nonprofit organization sharing its mission with its statewide network of programs.

Expanding into a Statewide Network

Since l976, PCADV has grown from nine to 61 domestic violence programs, which provide integral services, including 24-hour emergency hotlines, shelter, counseling, legal advocacy and representation, healthcare-based advocacy, childrens programs, transitional housing and many other emergency and supportive services.

Forging Social Change

PCADV plays a key role, at the state and federal level, in the enactment and implementation of landmark legal protections, the development of model program standards and the institutionalization of social change.

Continuing the Lifeline

Today this Coalition continues to provide a lifeline to safety for battered women and their children. Almost two million victims of domestic violence have benefited from the efforts of PCADV and its statewide network.