Philanthropy uncovered the problem of domestic violence in the ‘70s and early ‘80s; as its true dimensions exploded, the early small shelters grew and multiplied. WCC is known for its excellent legal and children programs; it is the only agency on the North Shore providing comprehensive legal services to battered women and their children. WCC has been providing services to children who have witnessed domestic abuse or themselves been physically or sexually assaulted. It is now expanding into trauma services for children; staff is training at the prestigious Trauma Center. WCC operates three sites, clocks over 1,500 volunteer hours per month, offers 24-hour assistance, provides emergency shelter, adult and child counseling, and advocacy for battered women and their children. Its Rapid Response Team, a collaboration with the police departments of Salisbury, Georgetown and Newburyport, provides immediate crisis intervention at the time of a domestic violence call; in 2001 it received a “Best Practice” award from the American Bar Association. WCC provides professional training programs for the Massachusetts Executive Office of Probation and the Executive Office of Public Safety Here is your opportunity to support its excellence.