In 1984, the Loudoun Abused Women’s Shelter (LAWS) was founded by three Loudoun County women with only $3,000 in donations. The organization was incorporated under the name Loudoun Citizens for Social Justice, Inc. and began doing business as Loudoun Abused Women’s Shelter and in 1985, the founders opened the shelter itself; the only place in Loudoun County where women and children fleeing domestic violence could find refuge.

Since then, LAWS has expanded to provide a full array of comprehensive services to adult and child victims of domestic and sexual violence. Besides providing emergency shelter, LAWS also delivers assistance to victims at our Community Services Center where we provide counseling, legal services, support groups, advocacy, and community outreach. LAWS also operates a thrift store in downtown Leesburg called The Resourceful Woman and runs the Loudoun Child Advocacy Center. The Center is a public/private partnership among Loudoun County agencies and organizations dedicated to child victims of abuse and/or neglect.

On average, we provide direct services to over 1,000 adult and child victims of domestic and sexual violence each year. LAWS has a staff of approximately 30 employees and 75 volunteers and our Board of Directors represents a diverse group of community leaders who provide governance and oversight to the organization .

At LAWS we seek to empower victims of domestic and sexual violence so that they may live lives free from fear, anxiety, and danger. All of our services are confidential and free of charge