Media, PA- October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, a time when domestic violence programs across the nation draw attention to domestic violence and its devastating consequences for women, children and the community at large. The Domestic Abuse Project of Delaware County, Inc. ("DAP") is a private, non-profit agency founded twenty-eight years ago to provide advocacy, counseling, emergency shelter, legal representation, transitional housing and education and outreach to victims of domestic violence throughout Delaware County. DAP is the sole provider of domestic violence services to residents of the County.

Domestic violence occurs at epidemic proportions in the United States and locally. 162 Pennsylvanians lost their lives last year to domestic violence including seven children. Four persons in Delaware County lost their lives last year. See

The effects of domestic violence on children are severe and can be permanent causing life-long behavioral and emotional problems including poorer academic performance, higher rates of substance abuse and alcoholism along with a greater rate of involvement in the criminal system. Further, as adults, the cycle of violence continues.

DAP serves clients from all 49 townships and boroughs in Delaware county working closely with the District Attorney’s Office, law enforcement, the District courts, and their District Judges along with the Court of Common Pleas. In fiscal year 2004, DAP:

• Served over 5,000 victims of domestic violence and their children
• Provided 3,611 nights of emergency shelter
• Provided 8,290 hours of counseling
• Assisted 442 victims in gaining protection from abuse orders
• Represented 433 victims in the Court of Common Pleas
• Assisted 617 new victims at criminal court proceedings at the district courts
• Completed over 150 presentations and trainings educating students, employers and the community at large about domestic violence.
• Assisted 32 clients in hospital settings and provided 43 specialized trainings to healthcare professionals

The Board of Directors and staff of DAP urge Delaware County residents to get involved. There are numerous ways residents can make a real difference including:

• Volunteer – call 610-565-6272
• Refer a person in need to our 24/7 Hotline: 610-565-4590
• Donate items to Nana’s Attic – DAP’s Thrift Shop in the Lawrence Park Shopping Center in Broomall. Call 610-325-0768
• Give a tax-deductible contribution to support the work of DAP
• Contribute an in-kind donation. Call 610-565-6272 for a copy of our Needs List.

A $35 donation can provide one hour of counseling to a woman and her children providing them with a safety plan and other resources to protect them from future harm and violence.

All services provided by DAP are free and confidential for residents of Delaware County. DAP is a WOMENS WAY and United Way Agency.