East Los Angeles Women's Center

The East Los Angeles Women's Center, founded in 1976, has a compelling mission to ensure the safety, health, and well-being of women, girls, and families, particularly in the Latino communities. The organization offers a range of crucial services including a 24-hour bilingual rape crisis hotline, sexual assault and domestic violence services, mental health and therapeutic parenting programs, as well as HIV/AIDS prevention and testing. Their commitment to culturally competent services tailored to meet the specific needs of Latino families has been a cornerstone of their work. The history of the East Los Angeles Women's Center is deeply rooted in community service. Originally established as the East Los Angeles Rape and Battering Hotline, it became the first Spanish language, 24-hour crisis hotline for survivors of sexual assault in Southern California. From its humble beginnings with volunteer counselors, the center has evolved into a comprehensive agency providing essential support to the community. The East Los Angeles Women's Center's dedication to supporting Latina victims and their families has been unwavering. They have established themselves as a vital resource for building safer and healthier communities throughout Los Angeles County. Their impactful work is evidenced by their growth from a small, all-volunteer organization to a thriving and essential agency today. With their wide range of services and a powerful history of community impact, the East Los Angeles Women's Center stands as a beacon for women's health and safety, making significant strides in addressing the critical issue of violence and abuse within the community.