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about us
history |
values |
philosophy
History
DOVE, Inc. (Domestic Violence Ended) was created in 1978 by the Violence Against Women Task Force of the Quincy Mayor’s Commission on the Status of Women. The task force included representatives from the District Attorney’s office, the Police Department and other local social service agencies. After investigating domestic violence and local resources for victims, the task force determined that a central agency was needed to provide services to abused women and their families. The agency’s name was chosen to represent the universal symbol of peace.
- 1978: In July the hotline was established and operated by a core group of volunteers.
- 1978: Two months later in September, DOVE, Inc. opened it’s doors to women and their children who were fleeing abuse. The shelter, operated out of a rent-free public facility, was the first domestic violence shelter on the South Shore.
- 1978: The Welfare and Legal Advocacy programs began.
- 1978: The first support groups were offered.
- 1979: Follow-up services were created for clients who resided at the shelter.
- 1980: The children’s program was created.
- 1981: A building was purchased to be used as the new shelter.
- 1988: DOVE, Inc. celebrated 10 years of service to victims and survivors of domestic violence.
- 1994: A Transitional Housing Program began.
- 1998: DOVE, Inc. celebrated 20 years of shelter and services for victims and survivors of abuse.
- 2000: The shelter was renovated to make the building handicapped accessible.
- 2002: The Outreach and Education Programs were created.
- 2003: Upon the receipt of generous grants, the Outreach & Family Services Center opened in June.
- 2004: DOVE, Inc. created a Community Consultation Program.
Values
- We believe in treating all persons with respect and without judgment.
- We believe in offering our services in a compassionate, caring and sensitive manner.
- We hold ourselves accountable to the people we serve, to each other and the community.
- We strive to provide the education and resources that lead to empowerment.
- We strive to provide safety and freedom from abuse to those who seek our services.
- We promote an individual’s right to self-determination.
Philosophy
DOVE, Inc.’s philosophy and framework for working with survivors and victims of domestic violence is built on the following concepts:
Human Rights and Social Justice
DOVE, Inc. recognizes that domestic violence is a violation of one’s most basic human right. The concept of human rights directs staff to respect the inherent dignity and worth of a person and to seek out and provide services and resource that assist clients in living a life free from control and abuse. A social justice lens suggests that staff must be especially vigilant in providing access to resources and services for people who are the most discriminated against, disadvantaged and oppressed.
Strengths Perspective
The strengths perspective directs staff to view the individuals, families and communities we work with as resilient and resourceful and to support and validate their experiences. This framework is demonstrated through staff/client partnership whether creating client service plans, program development and agency policy.
Ecological Perspective
Through an ecological lens, DOVE, Inc. staff recognize that domestic violence impacts many layers of one’s life. Working form this perspective, staff support and assist individuals, families and communities to address and respond to domestic violence issues while examining the context in which people live. This framework directs staff to assist clients in identifying and strengthening their existing formal and informal supports.
Community-based Practice
For much of the domestic violence movement, requiring victims and survivors to leave their communities of origin in order to receive domestic violence services, was the dominant school of thought. Building upon a strengths-based, ecological perspective, community-based practice directs staff to consider informal supports as assets to the client system and seeks to link clients to services as close to their home as possible.
Interprofessional Collaboration
DOVE, Inc. recognizes and respects the need for inter-agency and multidisciplinary collaboration to address the multidimensional and complex issues facing the individual, families and communities we serve.
Human Diversity
DOVE, Inc. strives to provide a service environment and develop programs that recognize, respect, celebrate and build upon the unique differences that individuals, families and communities possess in an increasingly global society.
* Philosophy themes adapted from: Self-Study Report, Initial Accreditation, Master's of Social Work Program, Evaluative Standards, Vol. 1, pps. 218-224, February, 2003.
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