DVSSP News

Volume 34 | Issue 1 | March 2026

When Funding Shrinks, Hope Must Grow

Dear Friends,

This spring, we're reaching out with both honesty and hope.

DVSSP has been notified that our federal Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) funding will be reduced by 7.5% in the upcoming grant year. For DVSSP, that reduction equals approximately $51,000.

That number is more than a line in a budget.

It represents therapy sessions for survivors working to heal from trauma. It represents nights of safe housing for a parent and child fleeing abuse. It represents advocacy hours spent standing beside someone in court who does not want to stand alone. It represents critical staff capacity that ensures every call to our 24/7 confidential helpline is answered.

VOCA funding — which comes from federal criminal fines rather than taxpayer dollars — has declined nationwide in recent years. As deposits into the federal Crime Victims Fund have dropped, victim service providers across Pennsylvania are being asked to do more with less.

While VOCA funds do not directly support prevention education programs, reductions in one funding stream create a trickle-down effect across our entire organization. When core victim services funding is reduced, unrestricted community support becomes even more essential to ensure we can sustain all aspects of our mission — including prevention efforts that aim to stop violence before it begins.

And the need in our community has not decreased.

Survivors in Washington, Greene, and Fayette counties continue to call our helpline in the middle of the night. Families continue to arrive at our safe houses seeking safety and stability. Children continue to need support as they process the impact of violence in their homes.

Federal funding helps sustain these services — but it has never fully funded them.

That’s where you come in.

Community support has always been the steady foundation beneath our work. When funding landscapes shift, your generosity ensures that survivors do not feel that instability.

Every dollar given locally stays local — supporting survivors right here in Southwestern Pennsylvania. We cannot control federal funding decisions. But together, we can control how our community responds.

Your support helps ensure that a reduction on paper does not become a reduction in services.

If you are able, please consider making a spring gift to DVSSP. Your generosity helps us continue empowering survivors, raising awareness, and creating safer communities — even in uncertain times.

With great appreciation,
The DVSSP Team

Stick Up for Survivors: Pittsburgh Penguins Jersey Raffle

DVSSP is excited to announce our Spring Raffle — and hockey fans won’t want to miss this one!

Thanks to our corporate sponsor Wavestone, one lucky winner will take home a jersey signed by the entire Pittsburgh Penguins — a true collector’s item and an unforgettable prize.

Whether you're a lifelong fan or just love a good power play for a great cause, this is your chance to score a one-of-a-kind piece of Penguins memorabilia while helping DVSSP continue our mission to empower survivors, raise awareness, and create safer communities.

Tickets are $10 each and the winning number is based on the PA Lottery Pick Three Evening Drawing on Monday, May 18, 2026.

Don't get left in the penalty box! To purchase raffle tickets, please:

Email: sd@peacefromdv.org
Call: 724-223-5477 ext. 121
Learn more: https://www.peacefromdv.org/ab...

Holiday Hope, Delivered

This past holiday season, DVSSP’s Adopt-a-Family program once again demonstrated the incredible generosity of our community.

Thanks to the compassion of 29 donors and 24 dedicated volunteers, we were able to support 38 women and 60 children through our holiday site. Together, volunteers contributed 121.5 hours to sort, organize, wrap, and prepare gifts — ensuring that every family felt remembered and cared for.

For many survivors rebuilding their lives, the holidays can be especially difficult. Because of our community’s kindness, families experienced not just gifts under the tree, but moments of joy, dignity, and hope.

We are deeply grateful to every donor and volunteer who helped make the season brighter. Your generosity truly made a difference — and reminded the families we serve that they are not alone.

Getting to Know DVSSP: Polly Musar

What do you do for DVSSP and for how long have you been involved?
My name is Polly Musar, and I currently serve as Treasurer of the Board. I chair both the Finance and Audit Committee and the Events Committee, and I am also a member of the Development Committee. My involvement with the organization began in 2014 when I volunteered in the Washington Legal Advocacy office.

What is the best thing about working with DVSSP?
The people I have met and the satisfaction of helping others.

Describe your work in three words.
Empathy, support, and healing

What is one thing you wish you would have known when you started with DVSSP?
I learned quickly that DV extends beyond physical abuse.

What's one mistake you have made during your involvement and what have you learned from it? 
I didn’t speak up when we were planning two different events that I thought were not a good idea. I guess I learned that it is always best to express your thoughts.

What project are you currently working on that excites you the most?
The expansion of our development department and the hiring of a donor engagement specialist. This will enable DVSSP to focus on building our donor base and build stronger corporate involvement.

What did you want to grow up to be when you were a kid?
A travel agent

If you could add one thing to DVSSP with the sky being the limit, what would it be?
Unlimited, unrestricted funds

Create a movie title for your work with DVSSP.
When Silence Breaks

Anything else you'd like to share?
I have loved volunteering for DVSSP and am proud of the work that they do.

Community Spotlight: Thank You, Washington County Community Foundation

DVSSP extends our heartfelt thanks to the Washington County Community Foundation for once again sponsoring an annual staff appreciation event.

This year, our team gathered for an afternoon of connection, laughter, and friendly bowling competition — a meaningful opportunity to pause, recharge, and celebrate the dedicated professionals who serve survivors across Washington, Greene, and Fayette counties every day.

The work of supporting individuals and families impacted by domestic violence requires compassion, resilience, and unwavering commitment. Thanks to the generosity of the Washington County Community Foundation, our staff were reminded that their efforts are seen, valued, and supported by the community.

We are deeply grateful for their continued partnership and investment in the people who make our mission possible.

Tony's Journey Back to Himself

Tony* never imagined he would need support from an organization like DVSSP. In fact, he only learned about their services through his mother, who had attended group meetings and therapy sessions.

“She inspired me to see her therapist myself—particularly Roxanne,” he shared. That one decision would change the course of his life.

Through telehealth therapy, Tony began the difficult process of healing. “I actually used those quite often for a number of months to work up the courage to see myself thrive,” he said. But the biggest challenge wasn’t just processing the trauma—it was learning to believe in himself again.

“I was conditioned to think I was nothing,” Tony admitted. “The hardest thing I’ve had to overcome is realizing that I matter—that there are people who care about me, even when I don’t feel like they do. Whether it’s a friend, a stranger on the sidewalk, or the people at DVSSP, I had to learn that I have a chance, just like everyone else, to be included, accepted, and loved.”

That realization was life-changing. Before therapy, Tony couldn’t picture a future for himself. “I never imagined I’d be able to move forward. But now, I believe in myself. I can see a future where I go beyond my own expectations.”

When asked where he would be without DVSSP, Tony hesitated. “I don’t think it would be a very good place,” he admitted. “If I never reached out, I probably would have lost all sense of self.”

Now, Tony is sharing his story for others who may feel lost or alone. “This program saves people’s lives. It gives them hope when they never expected to see the light at the end of the tunnel. Even if someone isn’t ready to speak up, it’s important for them to know that people care and that help is out there.”

For Tony, therapy was more than just a service—it was a turning point. “Roxanne was so understanding and so inspirational. She pushed me forward, helped me feel like a person again, and kept me from falling apart.”

Tony’s journey is proof that healing is possible—and that no one has to go through it alone. DVSSP’s services are here to support survivors every step of the way, offering hope, connection, and a path forward.

“I’m super grateful for this program,” Tony said. “And I love that I was able to do it from anywhere, regardless of my income. It’s pretty awesome that you guys do this.” 

*Name changed to protect privacy

Understanding Coercive Control

When many people hear the words domestic violence, they picture physical harm. But abuse does not always leave visible marks.

Coercive control is a pattern of behaviors used to dominate, isolate, and control another person. It often happens gradually and can be difficult to recognize — even for the person experiencing it. Yet its impact can be just as damaging as physical violence.

Coercive control is about power. It’s not a single incident. It’s an ongoing strategy to limit someone’s independence, confidence, and sense of safety.

It may look like:

• Monitoring phone calls, texts, or social media accounts

• Demanding passwords or tracking a partner’s location

• Controlling finances or restricting access to money

• Isolating someone from friends or family

• Making constant accusations of cheating

• Threatening self-harm to prevent a partner from leaving

• Undermining someone’s confidence through criticism or humiliation

• Deciding what a partner can wear, where they can go, or who they can see

Often, these behaviors are disguised as concern or love.

“I just worry about you.”
“I only get jealous because I care.”
“I’m protecting you.”

Over time, the person experiencing coercive control may begin to question their own judgment. They may feel anxious about making simple decisions. They may feel trapped — even if no physical violence has occurred.

Because coercive control can be subtle, survivors sometimes struggle to name what is happening. Friends and family may not see visible signs of abuse. This can make it even harder to seek help.

But abuse is not defined only by bruises. It is defined by patterns of power and control.

At DVSSP, we support survivors experiencing all forms of abuse — including emotional, financial, technological, and sexual abuse. Our advocates understand that coercive control can have deep and lasting effects. Through safety planning, therapy services, legal advocacy, and confidential support, we help individuals regain autonomy and rebuild confidence.

Healthy relationships are built on trust, respect, and shared decision-making — not fear, isolation, or control.

If something in your relationship feels unsettling, overwhelming, or restrictive, you deserve to talk to someone about it. DVSSP’s 24/7 confidential helpline is available at 800-791-4000. Calls are free and all reasons for calling are valid.

Understanding coercive control helps all of us recognize abuse earlier and respond with compassion. When we expand the conversation beyond physical violence, we create more pathways to safety — and more opportunities for healing.

Remembering Director Emeritus Dee Hart

With heavy hearts, we remember Dee Hart, a devoted advocate, leader, and friend of DVSSP, who passed away on January 20, 2026.

Dee joined our Board in 1988—then known as Washington Women’s Shelter—and served with dedication and heart for more than three decades. From her years as Treasurer and Vice President to being named Director Emeritus in 2022, Dee’s commitment to our mission never wavered.

She took great pride in helping to organize and grow our annual Peace Begins at Home Dinner, a tradition that continues to bring our community together in support of survivors.

We are profoundly grateful for Dee’s extraordinary service and leadership, and we are honored to carry forward her legacy. Our deepest condolences go out to her family and all who loved her. Read the full obituary here.

DVSSP Welcomes NJM Insurance Group as Newest Corporate Sponsor

We’re excited to welcome NJM Insurance Group as the newest bronze level corporate sponsor of DVSSP. For more than 110 years, NJM has built a strong reputation for putting policyholders first, delivering reliable coverage, and supporting the communities they serve. Their commitment to integrity, service, and social responsibility aligns closely with DVSSP’s mission to end domestic violence by empowering survivors, raising awareness, and creating safer communities. We’re grateful for their support and shared vision for making a difference.

Upcoming Events

• March 20, 2026 | DVSSP Bingo | Alpine Lanes, Washington
• May 15, 2026 | DVSSP Trivia | The Way Community Center of Greene County, Waynesburg
  
• May 18, 2026 | Penguins Jersey Raffle Drawing | PA Pick-3 Lottery @ 7:00 p.m.
• June 26, 2026 | DVSSP Stars & Strikes Bowling | Yough Lanes, Connellsville
  
• September 12, 2026 | Peace from DV Walk | Church of the Covenant, Washington
  
• October 2026 | Domestic Violence Awareness Month
  
• THURSDAY, October 15, 2026 | Peace Begins at Home Dinner | Hollywood Casino at the Meadows, Washington
  

Board of Directors

Mike McClaine, Chair
Hannah Perri, Vice Chair
Polly Musar, Treasurer
Elisabeth H. Wagers, Secretary
Lori M. Ashby
Adele Filek-Marvin
Morgan Hartley
Kathi Hull
Jordan Joltes
Evie McPherson
Liz Menhart
Rene Nikolopoulos
Maggie Wallen
Dolores H. Hart, Director Emeritus