One of the worst aspects of domestic violence is the isolation. Feeling that "no one will believe me" or "I just don’t know what to do or where to go."

ABW is here, to believe victims’ stories, and to help them escape the cycle of violence and abuse. Our name says it all-we provide alternatives, even when it seems as if there are none.

Our Mission Alternatives for Battered Women exists to enhance the quality of life and empower individuals affected by or at risk of domestic violence.

ABW is the only licensed provider in Monroe County of shelter and services for women and children who are affected by domestic violence.

We offer:

• A 24-hour hotline, providing access to the shelter, information, referrals and counseling.
• A 38-bed emergency shelter for women and children (both boys and girls, up to age 18). Residents receive safe housing, counseling and education, information, access to multiple support groups, assistance and planning for the family’s future housing needs, and legal information.
• Walk-in counseling. Short-term counseling is available in an emergency.
• Family programs are available for children and their mothers residing in the shelter, including counseling (both group and individual), information, referrals, social and recreational activities.
• Transitional Support Services includes our non-residential programs, and include small group counseling sessions, topic-focused groups, open community support groups such as "SAFER" (Survivors Advocating For Effective Reform), and individual counseling.
• Court Advocacy program provides assistance at the Hall of Justice, assisting women as they navigate the legal system for such issues as obtaining an Order of Protection, work out child custody issues, or file charges against a batterer in criminal court.
• Our Education and Prevention program reaches out to students in middle and high schools and college, to help them learn how to form healthy relationships, and identifying abusive behaviors. This program also provides short-term education in area high schools for students deemed to be high-risk.
• A Speaker’s Bureau that offers individualized presentations to community groups, professionals and others, about domestic violence and agency services.

Alternatives for Battered Women is a founding member of the New York State Coalition Against Domestic Violence; the Rochester/Monroe County Domestic Violence Consortium; and a member of the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence.

If you need help, or want to help others, simply call ABW at:

(585) 232-7353
or (585) 232-1741/TTY