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About Avalon

Avalon Mission Statement

Avalon is committed to intervening in and reducing the incidence of domestic violence and sexual assault. In order to achieve this mission, Avalon offers shelter, advocacy, education and support to survivors and fosters awareness and prevention by educating the community.

History of Avalon

1979 A Task Force began as a study group at a local church and a needs assessment was completed.
1980 The Williamsburg Task Force on Battered Women was incorporated and became a 501 c 3 nonprofit. At this point a system of safe homes (community members willing to open their homes to women in danger) was set up.
1983 A two bedroom home was rented as a shelter.
1985 Services were expanded to include sexual assault.
1986 The current site was located and purchased. Capacity was increased to 16 shelter beds and one transitional apartment.
1990 The name was formally changed to Avalon: A Center for Women and Children.
1993 The Board approved a plan to build a new emergency shelter, six transitional apartments, and a childcare center on the property.
1998 Construction began and was completed in 1999.
2005 Avalon celebrated its 25th Anniversary.

Case Statement

Avalon needs community support to effectively meet our mission. Read our Case Statement for more details.

Statistics

From 25-31 percent of American women report being physically or sexually abused by a husband or boyfriend at some point in their lives and from 3 million to 10 million children witness that abuse each year. 1

18-24 year old women are consistently reported as the group most at risk of abuse. 2

A study of 8th and 9th grade male and female students found that 25 percent had been victims of nonsexual dating violence and 8 percent of the children had been victims of sexual dating violence. 3

Women victimized by abuse are more likely to be diagnosed with serious health problems including depression, panic attacks, high risk behaviors such as tobacco and substance abuse and sexual risk taking, as well as migraines, chronic pain, arthritis, high blood pressure, gastrointestinal problems, inconsistent use of birth control, and delayed entry into prenatal care. 4

  1. Tjaden, Patricia and Nancy Thoennes, 2000. Extent, Nature and Consequences of Violence Against Women: Findings from the National Violence Against Women Survey. The National Institute of Justice and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
  2. The Commonwealth Fund, Health Concerns Across a Women’s Lifespan: 1998 Survey of Women’s Health, May 1999. Carlson, Bonnie E. (1984)
  3. Callie Rennison, Ph.D. et al., “Intimate Partners Violence”
  4. Foshee, V.A., Lindner, G.F., Bauman, K.E. Langwick, S.A. Arriga
  5. Graffunder, C.M. Noonan, R., Cox, P., and Wheaton, J., Through a Public Health Lenses, Preventing Violence Against Women: An Update from the U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention”

Advisory Boards and Affiliations

Avalon is a funded program with the United Way of Greater Williamsburg. Avalon is a member of the Virginia Sexual and Domestic Violence Action Alliance and a member of the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence.

The Avalon Advisory Team includes representatives from James-City County Department of Social Services, Williamsburg-James City County Victim Witness Assistance Program, Colonial Services Board and The Salvation Army

Avalon is also represented on Governors Kaine's Advisory Board on Child Abuse and Neglect.

 

 

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