About Us
First Step: A Response to Domestic Violence was founded in 1979 and has been located in downtown Harrisonburg since 1986. We serve survivors of domestic and dating violence from the City of Harrisonburg and Rockingham County as the only local agency that specifically serves and shelters survivors of domestic and dating violence. First Step operates a 24 hour hotline and also provides temporary shelter, as well as an array of other services to survivors and their children.
We are an accredited domestic violence agency through the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services.
Mission
Empowering survivors to break the cycle of violence and abuse in their lives.
Vision
We envision a community free of abuse.
Core Values
First Step is committed to providing free and confidential services to survivors of intimate partner or relationship violence who have experienced economic, physical, sexual, psychological, emotional, and/or verbal abuse, including but not limited to controlling behavior, isolation, threats, intimidation, gaslighting, stalking and dating violence.
First Step welcomes and respects all survivors of intimate partner or relationship violence, regardless of race, ethnicity, color, age, gender, disability, national origin, religion, language proficiency, citizenship status, socioeconomic status, sexual orientation, or gender identity or expression.
First Step affirms the right of each individual to be safe at home and to be free to make their own choices in their lives. We are dedicated to educating, empowering, and connecting individuals to resources that build on their strengths and support their choices.
First Step values partnerships and is committed to educating and inspiring our community to address the issue of violence and abuse in relationships and families.
