Decades of Change

Since 1976, VIBS has touched the lives of thousands of people. In 1974, when VIBS was just an idea, no one imagined that there was so much abuse in suburban Long Island. When in 1976 VIBS held a press conference to announce the grand opening of the center, few people understood the scope and complexity of intimate violence. What the founders did understand was that abused women were calling the new hotline in droves, and that the program needed to grow.

Compelled by mission and guided by experience, VIBS has pioneered programs to address domestic violence and sexual assault:

• A children's program to address the impact on children of witnessing partner abuse.
• Collaborative case management and cross training with child protective services, protecting both abused women and their children.
• An elder abuse program involving home visits and counseling.
• Specialized services to address the relationship between domestic violence and drug or alcohol abuse.
• Collaborative projects with Probation, the Police Department, the District Attorney, and hospitals - ranging from outreach to victims to the Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner program.

 VIBS faces many challenges. Government funding fluctuates with state and federal budget priorities and the competiton for private dollars is intense, making it increasingly difficult to meet the demand for services. But beyond the historic peaks and valleys of funding and public policy, there are real people who once lived in fear and turmoil and now live with hope. The board and staff at VIBS are honored to be part of a movement that offers hope to so many individuals and families - and ultimately to society.