Although the research community has historically overlooked the ways in which the LGBTQ communities experience domestic and sexual violence, recent literature is increasingly more inclusive and complete. The National Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence Study (NISVS), 2010 Findings on Victimization by Sexual Orientation, found that study participants who identified as either lesbian or gay reported domestic violence and sexual violence rates which were equal to or higher than study participants who identified as heterosexual. Additionally, the survey also found that bisexual women report a higher prevalence of rape, physical violence, and/or stalking by an intimate partner compared to both lesbian and heterosexual women and bisexual men report a higher prevalence of rape physical violence, and or stalking than gay or heterosexual men. Studies such as the National Transgender Discrimination Survey and the 2015 U.S. Transgender Survey have found that people who are transgender experience disproportionate rates of violence, particularly trans people of color.
For over 40 years, WCA has been at the forefront of providing services to those healing from domestic abuse and sexual assault. Since its founding, WCA’s crisis program has evolved into one of the most vital, unduplicated, comprehensive programs in our community and region. WCA is proud to be a community leader in providing these critically needed services. We’ve been an important community partner for over 110 years and providing safe spaces for members of our community has always been at the core of our mission.
Play area in childcare at WCA secure domestic violence shelter.
Vision
To foster a community where individuals thrive in safe, healthy relationships.
Mission
Safety, healing, and freedom from domestic abuse and sexual assault.
- WCA provides Safety to domestic abuse and sexual assault victims through our two 24-hour crisis hotlines, our domestic abuse shelter, safety planning assistance, and court advocacy.
- We provide Healing through therapy services, support groups, and client advocacy.
- We provide Freedom through case management and financial empowerment and life skills classes.
Through these core values, we hope to provide security, hope, and empowerment and to break the cycle of violence. For more information on these and other services, see our Get Help section.
Core Values
- Empowerment—Fostering potential
- Respect—Recognizing and honoring the dignity of all
- Integrity—Consistent in word and deed
How old is the WCA?
Providing safe places for women to live has been at the core of our mission for over 110 years. The WCA started in 1910 as the Boise YWCA (Young Women’s Christian Association). It was established to provide a safe place for young single women to live, eat, and socialize. In addition to room, board, and other basic services, the YWCA offered classes, camps, and community service opportunities to Boise women for decades.
In the early 1980s, the YWCA began transforming into the organization that we have today. During this time, the Rape Crisis Alliance and domestic violence Crisis Center were established to continue embodying the mission to provide a safe place for women in new ways. In 1996, we officially became the Women’s and Children’s Alliance.
In an effort to be inclusive to all those who are impacted by domestic abuse and sexual assault and need our services and to reflect the diversity of all our clients, in 2020, we transitioned to simply using the acronym WCA.
Do you have services for men?
Despite our name, we do provide services to men who have experienced domestic violence or sexual assault. 1 in 10 men experience contact sexual violence, physical violence, and/or stalking by an intimate partner during their lifetime and/or had IPV- related impact (CDC, 2015).
WCA strives to provide services to ALL who have experienced domestic abuse and/or sexual assault regardless of race, color, religion, gender, gender identity, age, national origin, marital status, or sexual orientation. To find out more about our services please call our 24-hour crisis lines and speak with a Client Advocate. You can also attend our “If These Walls Could Talk” tour, request an educational “Break the Cycle” presentation from our outreach team or check out our other resources.
Do you provide services for members of the LGBT community?
WCA strives to provide services to ALL who have experienced domestic abuse and/or sexual assault regardless of race, color, religion, gender, gender identity, age, national origin, marital status, or sexual orientation. To find out more about our services please call our 24-hour crisis lines and speak with a Client Advocate. You can also attend our “If These Walls Could Talk” tour, request an educational “Break the Cycle” presentation from our outreach team or check out our other resources.
What about teens?
The WCA cannot accept teens in our shelter without a parent or guardian. However, we recognize that teens are often the victims of sexual assault and abusive dating relationships, and may not always want to talk about it with their parents. We offer free individual counseling services to teens over the age of 14, in accordance with Idaho law. For information about accessing free and confidential services, please call our 24-hour hotline at 208-343-7025. We have collected some helpful links to resources tailored to teens on our resources page.
I’m interested in volunteering. How do you use volunteers and how can I get started?
Volunteers are a vital part of the WCA and are used everywhere in the organization, in administrative roles, as court advocates and at outreach events. The first step is to attend an “If These Walls Could Talk” tour. Email [email protected] or call 208.343.3688 ext. 241 if you are interested in volunteering or would like more information.
Domestic abuse and sexual assault aren’t bad here in Boise. We’re a very safe community, right?
That’s a very common misconception. The statistics across Idaho are very similar to national statistics. One in four women will be abused in her lifetime; and one in six men. It doesn’t matter whether they live in Boise or anywhere else. Our tour “If These Walls Could Talk” would be a real eye-opener for you. While the problem isn’t any worse here than the rest of the nation, it’s still a problem that we’re working every day to change.
What are Domestic Abuse and Sexual Assault?
If you want more information about domestic abuse and sexual assault, check out our FAQ and Resource pages:
About Domestic Abuse
About Sexual Assault
Statistics
Resources (external links)
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