NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY) – A workout group, Torrie’s Bootcamp, organized a women’s safety class.

The free workshop took place from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at St. John’s Lutheran Church, located at 8918 Tidewater Drive. It kicked off domestic violence awareness month.

The YWCA, Norfolk Family Justice Center, Norfolk Police Department, and several women-owned vendors partnered for the event and worked to create a safe space for women in the community.

The workshop was open to ages 13 and older and taught women how to protect themselves.

“It is to help build the community, because just like raising children, it takes a village and we all need support,” said Rena Manning.

All of the donations from the workshop went to the G.R.O.W. Foundation. The non-profit organization helps survivors escape from abuse.

“I’m a survivor of domestic violence myself. After leaving a very toxic and abusive relationship which included various forms of abuse such as; verbal, emotional, psychological, and physical. I started this organization six-years ago to help other survivors rebuild their lives after abuse,” explained G.R.O.W. founder and CEO Neisha Himes.

Avalon Center in Williamsburg

Eastern Shore Coalition Against Domestic Violence

  • Hotline number: 757-787-1329
  • Offers: emergency shelter, 24-hour crisis hotline, individual counseling, safety planning, children’s services, legal advocacy, accompaniment during hospital visits and court appearances and support groups to survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault.
  • Website: escadv.org

Samaritan House Inc. in Virginia Beach

  • Phone: 757-631-0710
  • Offers counseling, emergency shelter placement and safety planning.
  • 24-hour Crisis Hotline 757-430-2120

H.E.R. Shelter in Portsmouth

The Genieve Shelter in Suffolk

  • Phone: 757-925-4365
  • Offers emergency shelter and crisis services.
  • Crisis Hotline 757-705-2025 or 757-353-1439
  • Contáctanos para ayuda inmediata 1-800-969-4673
  • Website: thegenieveshelter.org

Transitions Family Violence Services in Hampton

  • Phone: 757-722-2261
  • Offers emergency shelter, crisis services, court advocacy, and counseling.
  • 24-hour Crisis Hotline 757-723-7774
  • Website: transitionsfvs.org

YWCA South Hampton Roads in Norfolk

  • Phone: 757-625-4248
  • Offers emergency shelter and crisis services.
  • 24-hour Crisis Hotline 757-251-0144
  • Website: ywca-shr.org

National Human Trafficking Task Force Hotline: 1-888-3737-888.  

Hampton Roads Human Trafficking Task Force: 757-430-2120

Blue Campaign to bring an end to Human Trafficking

Prevent Child Abuse America – Coronavirus Resources & Tips for Parents, Children & Others.

Child abuse and neglect are serious problems that can have lasting harmful effects on its victims. For more information on preventing child abuse and neglect check out resources from the CDC, or call The Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-422-4453 for help.