A pioneer in the movement to end domestic violence, RESPOND is New England’s first domestic violence agency and the second oldest in the nation. Its work began in the early 1970s, when four women from Somerville, Massachusetts started a grassroots effort to support victims of domestic violence by opening their own homes as safe havens for women fleeing abuse. In 1974, these “founding mothers” formed RESPOND, an organization that has provided life-saving shelter, support services, training and education programs to hundreds of thousands of members of the community for over 45 years. RESPOND partners with individuals, families and communities to end the serious public health issue of domestic violence. RESPOND strives to achieve its mission through prevention, intervention and education services that promote safe, healthy relationships. RESPOND’s 24-hour Crisis Hotline is (617) 623-5900