Our Mission
The Women’s Resource Center empowers survivors by providing trauma-informed services with equity and compassion while working collaboratively with the community to eliminate the root causes of interpersonal abuse.
Vision for Our Impact
The Women’s Resource Center envisions an informed, supportive, and thriving community free from oppression and abuse, with a shared commitment to the safety of all.
Our Values
EQUITY AND JUSTICE
We believe ending interpersonal abuse requires addressing the underlying systems and inequities that contribute to oppression, as these systems are a root cause of domestic violence and must be eliminated to create thriving communities.
DIGNITY, EMPATHY, AND COMPASSION
We provide trauma-informed services with dignity, empathy, and compassion for our clients and community.
AUTHENTICITY AND INTEGRITY
We serve with authenticity, fulfilling our duties in an ethical, transparent, and accountable manner.
INNOVATION
We are committed to providing innovative and transformative services addressing the needs of the whole person.
Our History
The Women’s Resource Center was founded in 1977 by a handful of committed individuals who staffed phones in a small office in Newport to answer questions about a number of social justice issues. Within a few years, it became clear that domestic violence was the main issue that needed to be addressed and required specialized help. The WRC decided this would be its primary focus. Since then, the field has advanced significantly with changes in the legal system and the evolution of services.
Today, WRC serves Barrington, Bristol, East Providence, Jamestown, Little Compton, Middletown, Newport, Portsmouth, Tiverton and Warren. In addition to our comprehensive programs for survivors, WRC is a leader in policy, advocacy, and innovation – advancing equity and social justice, driving prevention, and continuously working to strengthen domestic violence response and support.