History
Started by The Women's Circle of the New England Congregation Presbyterian Church in 1982, the Task Force Against Domestic Violence (TFADV) for Saratoga County operated a 24-hour hotline and provided shelter through the efforts of many dedicated volunteers. The agency was incorportaed in 1984 in New York as a not-for-profit corporation. In January 1992, our agency merged with Saratoga Rape Crisis. As Domestic Violence Services, The agency currently is licensed by the State of New York to operate a nine-bed safe dwelling, which has been in continual use since 1982. Our rape criss program is certified by the New York State Department of Health. Our organization provides advocacy, preventive education, training and technical assistance in addition to crisis intervention and counseling. DVS is widely known for interorganizational initiatives and working coalitions; its services are sustained through community contibutions and the donated work of dozens of volunteers and interns.

Domestic Violence Services
Our services are available to all victimes of domestic violence in Saratoga County. Our office is located at 480 Broadway, LL20, Saratoga Springs, N.Y. 12866. Office hours are 9am to 5pm, Monday through Friday, (518) 583-0280.

Hotline
Emergency crisis services, information, and counseling are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Hotline number is 584-8188.

Shelter
A nine-bed safe dwelling, providing shelter to victims of domestic violence and their children for stays of up to 90 days.

Individual Counseling
By appointment or walkAn basis. Counseling on issues and dynamics of domestic violence, safety plans, exploring options. Information and Referral - to community resources and services. Advocacy Services - assistance with legal matters (orders of protection, custody and child support petitions, accompaniment to family and criminal courts), medical and therapeutic needs, education, employment, housing and children's services. Some transportation assistance is available.

Legal Clinic
Every other Wednesday from 1 p.m. - 3 p.m., free, first come-first served. Hope Support Group for Women (Open Group)- weekly support group for women in crisis and early change in Saratoga Springs on Thursday and Clifton Park on Wednesday. Individual Goal Setting and Problem Solving (Shelter Residents only)- Weekly meetings.

Individual Case Management
Assistance in making a transition to safe and secure living. Weekly individual meetings, with on-going advocacy for up to one year after leaving shelter.

Parenting Education
Weekly group covering parenting, discipline and child development.

Individual Child/Parent Counseling
Provided by MSW Social Worker (shelter residents only) Other Support and Educational Groups (Home Maintenance Repair, Personal Safety, Vehicle Repair, Legal Issues, Computer Skills, Renting, Post-relationship and other groups are offered in Clifton Park, South Glens Falls and Saratoga Springs. Call for more information.

Housing and Education Counseling
Provided by our flill-time housing/education specialist Community and Professional Education and Training- programs for schools, civic organizations, church groups, service providers, and professionals on family violence issues and prevention. Specialized training is available for professional group's.

For Children
KidSafe
Group counseling and education for children from violent homes.

Individual Child Counseling Child Care
During support groups and for other appointments by prior arrangement.

Confidentiality:
All contacts with domestic violence survivors and their families and friends are held in strict confidence.