Company Profile
Domestic Violence Action Center
Company Overview
Mission Statement
The Domestic Violence Action Center is committed to addressing domestic violence and other forms of harm through leadership, unique services, legal representation, housing, survivor and system advocacy, community education and social change work.
We believe all persons should be treated with equality, dignity and fairness. With high quality and culturally sensitive programs, delivered with integrity and compassion we are creating safety and self-sufficiency for survivors and their children.
Agency Profile
The Domestic Violence Action Center is dedicated to alleviating the problem of domestic abuse in Hawaii. We are the only agency in the State that accepts large numbers of high-risk divorce, temporary restraining order, post-decree, and paternity cases. We are also the only agency in the community with a full complement of services to assist as a victim navigates the system and moves her (his) life to freedom and self-sufficiency. With advocates accompanying victims to court, seeking financial support, pursuing educational goals, obtaining child support, or maneuvering the military, medical or mental health systems a victim is empowered and closer to safety if she is working with one of our programs.
Domestic Violence Action Center was founded in 1990 and incorporated in 1991. With two staff, in the beginning, we are now fully staffed at 52. Training and education, technical assistance and community building, direct services and public awareness are among the commitments the agency makes to the people of Hawaii.
The Domestic Violence Action Center staff is deeply involved at the community level and participate in working committees coordinated by government agencies such as the Department of the Attorney General, The Department of Education and The First Judicial Circuit. We also work collaboratively with local associations and agencies like The Hawaii State Bar Association, The Hawaii State Coalition Against Domestic Violence, The Women’s Fund, and Hawaii Women Lawyers.
Our work has become known across the country and our management staff participates frequently in initiatives related to post-traumatic stress disorder, needs of multi-ethnic communities, family practice issues, and cutting-edge challenges facing domestic violence programs and survivors.
The agency has three departments overseeing direct services, specialized programs, and administration. We provide outreach in civil and criminal court, accept referrals from many community programs and public agencies, and seek opportunities to let the community become better acquainted with our special services provided by expert staff intimately trained on the needs and challenges facing victims of abuse. Our target population includes youth, immigrants, Filipina and adult victims.
The cost for our legal services is based on a sliding fee scale with hourly costs assessed for those in a higher income bracket. Training and technical assistance are also fee-based while court outreach is available to every victim seeking the courts’ protection or appearing as a witness in a criminal case.
Support, crisis intervention, safety planning, risk assessments, representation in court, education in the classroom and participation in community efforts to become more responsive to the needs of victims are the areas of the agency’s expertise.
Company History
Domestic Violence Action Center has been working with island families for over 32 years. We are looked to be the experts in anything related to intimate partner violence. We believe that everyone should live a safe life free to make their own choices.
Our Values
DVAC Core Values & Guiding Principles
Justice & Equality. We advocate for the safety, well-being and self-determination of individuals, groups and communities as the foundation of justice, equality and equity in our society. We commit to challenging injustice, inequality and inequity because they are the root of domestic violence and all forms of harm.
Respect & Dignity. We see and embrace the life experiences of other people, meeting them where they are at, believing in them, honoring their strengths and expertise, speaking honestly about their challenges, and building trusting relationships that encourage their personal growth and development.
Collaboration. Experience, perspective and expertise are essential for system discourse and reform. We participate in all working groups and accept invitations to contribute to discussion in order to raise awareness and motivate appropriate and effective response to abuse and harm.
Compassion. We reach out with an open heart, understanding and acceptance when we see others suffering, supporting them and meeting their needs to the greatest degree possible.
Benefits
We have a strong agency culture with staff who are working to make a positive difference in peoples lives. Working at DVAC is more than a job, we are a community that helps people to stay safe and free. If you are seeking a career that will bring you meaningful purpose, then this may be the agency for you.
Domestic Violence Action Center is a safe place where the agency values people and their individual beliefs. We believe in equality and listening to staff, community and clients to gather feedback to take action to create change for the better. We are inclusive and have strong morals and empower and support everyone's right to choose and make decisions to direct their own life.
Staff who work at DVAC are here for the right reasons, to help others. We work together to make positive changes to save lives. There is no "drama" at DVAC, we are a team and we work together.
We value self care and work life balance. We provide quarterly "wellness days" and provide generous time off and give you your birthday off!