ABOUT WCSC
Why WCSC?
Our mission: to support and empower people impacted by violence.
Before WCSC began, there was no place on St. Croix for survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault to get help focused on the unique challenges they face. Our work began with volunteers offering support without judgment to rape victims in crisis. The volunteer victim advocate program expanded to provide for victims of domestic violence in need of crisis intervention and safe emergency housing.
The need for a safe space to offer a range of supportive programs and services to victims and survivors helped shape the Women’s Coalition of St. Croix’s evolution.
HELPING THOSE IN NEED 24/7
OUR MISSION: TO SUPPORT AND EMPOWER PEOPLE IMPACTED BY VIOLENCE.
OUR HISTORY
In 1981, a symposium for women writers, including Audre Lorde, Adrienne Rich and Dr. Gloria I. Joseph, was held at the College of the Virgin Islands on St. Croix. This event had an inspirational effect on the women who attended. They participated in a discussion on the need for proactive solutions to the growing problem of violence against women in the Territory. A group of the attendees began meeting regularly as a result of that discussion, across kitchen tables at first. They agreed to begin with the basics: helping victims and survivors in crisis. One of the first steps was to conduct a workshop for volunteer advocates. This would give them the tools to offer support without judgment to rape victims at police stations and hospitals.
IN THE COMMUNITY
These women’s efforts became the basis for a grassroots movement that evolved into an organization dedicated to ending violence in the community, and assisting victims and survivors. We are a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization of volunteers, members, staff and board of directors. Our mission, updated in 2016, is to support and empower people impacted by violence. All WCSC’s services are free, confidential and available in English and Spanish. We offer assistance to people of all gender identities, sexual orientations and in all stages of life. Our advocacy, programs and services are offered to assist people who are experiencing or have experienced domestic violence, sexual violence, dating violence or stalking.