ABOUT WCSC
Why WCSC?
Before WCSC began, there was no place on St. Croix for survivors of domestic and sexual violence 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.
As long as the need for a safe space to offer supportive services to people impacted by violence continues, together we will continue to fulfill WCSC’s mission.
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, which evolved into this organization dedicated to ending violence in the community, and assisting victims and survivors to heal and become empowered. We are now a multicultural, tax-exempt, 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization of volunteers, members, staff and board of directors. Our mission, updated in 2016 to better serve the needs of the community, 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 women, children and men, especially victims and survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, dating violence and stalking.