Our History In the early 1970’s a group of community women in Somerville, Mass. began a grassroots effort to assist women who were being abused in their homes. These founding mothers responded to the needs of battered women by creating a confidential safe space and offering victims a refuge. RESPOND later was incorporated in 1975. In 2000, RESPOND expanded its service areas beyond Somerville, serving 10 new communities including Everett, Malden, Melrose, Medford, North Reading, Reading, Stoneham, Wakefield, Winchester and Woburn, Massachusetts.

CRISIS HOTLINE 1.617.623.5900 Available 24 Hours TTY News at RESPOND Make a credit card gift to RESPOND now through our online tax-deductible donation system. All transactions are secure and protected. What RESPOND MEANS TO ME…. "A safe place to be in a time of crisis. A temporary home away from home. A supportive group filled with women at various stages of rebuilding their lives giving hope to one another. The knowledge that RESPOND will always be there for you in the future…" -A woman in transition.