When most people hear WomenShelter, they think of an emergency shelter where women (and now men) fleeing from a dangerous domestic violence situation can take refuge.

That is indeed an important part of serving victims of abuse, as is the 24-hour hotline for emergencies. Both can be literally lifesaving.

But the bulk of services rendered at WomenShelter Long Beach are in the calmer setting of the Domestic Violence Resource Center. This is where counseling sessions – both one-on-one and group – take place. It’s where referrals for social services, health care or legal help are arranged.

It’s also where most of the gift cards collected in the annual Gazette Gift Card Drive are distributed to those in need. More about that in a bit. First, let’s learn about the Resource Center and what goe

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