Make A Difference Tuesday: Loudoun Abused Women’s Shelter
About LAWS
Located in Loudoun County (VA), LAWS is a nonprofit providing temporary shelter, counseling, legal services and support for survivors of domestic violence & abuse. They work to reduce the incidence of domestic violence, sexual assault and child abuse.
Once you get in contact with them, they will keep you safe. For example, LAWS filed a restraining order against my ex-abuser when he followed me to the LAWS offices. They aided me in finding legal resources to gain custody of my children. They referred me to social services for which I may be qualified. They offered me counseling and a spot in a support group. They gave my children presents at Christmas. They spent time with my children while I went to counseling meetings.
Since I’ve shared my experience with people, I’ve learned of numerous others with similar stories, including one male friend. You are not alone!
How to Get Help:
Call: (703) 771-3398
No one will judge you. Just call and tell them whatever you want. They will guide you to the next step.
lcsj@lcsj.org
http://www.lcsj.org
Services offered by LAWS:
Temporary emergency shelter
Food and emotional support to women, men and their children who are escaping domestic violence
Support Group
Counseling
24/7 hotline
Childcare during counseling and support group meetings
Continued support to former clients through LAWS community events and outreach services
Referral to social services
Legal Counsel
How To Help:
LAWS accepts all sorts of donations. The obvious things – clothes, money, toys for kids – but it’s a shelter, so they need personal care items like soap and deodorant, household items, cleaning supplies, bedding. They run a thrift store called The Resourceful Woman (I used to volunteer there in high school) in Leesburg. And they also need volunteers. Their website is really good, they have a section dedicated to the sort if help they need.
Also, while this is specifically about LAWS, there are shelters and resources like this everywhere. A quick search should bring up places near you, whether you’re leaving a bad situation or want to help those who are. Abusers cut off their victims from the outside world. It’s important to have a community of support to turn to when they leave. Please support your local shelters.
Put Your Damn Pants On! 
Thank you for posting this. It is good to see things are getting better. While this shelter is still only for the half of victims that are female (like almost every other shelter), it is good to see that there is at least recognition of the existence of male victims. There are services for male victims. Even if men have not achieved equality with women on this front, it is good to see that progress is being made.