For victims seeking shelter call the Domestic Violence Hotline at (302) 762-6110 or click here to live chat.

Martha’s Carriage House & Sarah’s House

Martha’s Carriage House, a 25-bed emergency shelter, which provides a safe refuge for women and their children experiencing domestic violence. Often, the precipitating reason for seeking shelter is the realization that the violence is not just hurting the mother, but that the abuse is having a devastating effect on her children as well.

Counselor/Advocates help every step of the way, often providing assistance with the complexities of the legal system. The goal is to empower the participant so that she survives and heals from the abuse. Counseling for both women and children is essential because it may be the only opportunity for them to gain some understanding about domestic violence, be heard, and to cope with the trauma of the abuse. Trained, degreed staff are on-site 24/7 to counsel women and children. Women are offered support groups, legal and social services advocacy, and are educated on the cycle of domestic violence and basic parenting skills. Children are offered activities, help with adjusting to shelter and assessment by a Licensed Social Worker.

Sarah’s House is an 18-bed emergency shelter for women and children experiencing domestic violence. Sarah’s House serves clients from all over the State. The program’s services are centered around independence, where clients are provided with resources for employment and housing, legal advocacy, safety planning, counseling, and other needs they may have. Counseling is part of the program available to participants residing at Martha’s Carriage House and Sarah’s House.

Therapy Services

Northern New Castle County

Ongoing treatment is offered to individuals who are in abusive intimate relationships. Individual therapy is available to both male and female victims. The focus of therapy is to help persons establish safety and stability in their lives as well as the lives of their children. For these services call (302) 762-8989.

Southern & Western New Castle County

In an effort to provide services to the growing needs of an expanding population in the area of Southern & Western New Castle County, CHILD, Inc., established a program offering domestic violence therapy for victims at scattered sites throughout Southern & Western New Castle County. A full time community therapist provides these services. Counseling is also available for children impacted by domestic violence at some of these same sites. For these services call 302-762-8989

Seeking Protection From Abuse

CHILD, Inc.’s Domestic Violence Advocacy Program helps to empower victims of intimate partner violence by guiding them through the Family Court system as they seek protection from their abusive partners. Advocacy services are available within Family Court in all three counties.

Trained advocates provide assistance to victims of domestic violence before, during and after the Protection From Abuse process. Although the advocates are not attorneys, they may be able to link victims with free or low cost attorneys. They provide referrals and resources, support during the hearing, crisis counseling and they help victims develop a plan to move forward with their lives. Advocates are available during court hours only.

  • New Castle County call (302) 255-0420
  • Kent County call (302) 672-1075
  • Sussex County call (302) 856-5843

Support Group

A safe group for individuals who have experienced (or are experiencing) abuse / violence from an intimate partner relationship. Groups meet on a weekly basis. Childcare is not available at either group.

Community Health Advocates (CHA)

CHILD, Inc. recognizes domestic violence as a public health issue, with victims of domestic violence experiencing significantly higher utilization and healthcare costs even after the abuse stops.  Victims and survivors have specific and extensive healthcare needs that are not currently being met by the traditional service model.

We believe that the partnership between healthcare professionals and domestic violence advocates is crucial to increasing access to services, which will positively affect the care and treatment of chronic medical issues often seen in victims of domestic violence.