The mission of the Shasta Women's Refuge is to help end domestic violence and sexual assault in Shasta County. We are committed to providing victims of domestic violence and sexual assault with the resources needed for safety, healing and prevention of further victimization. We work with our community to promote and participate in intervention, education and advocacy to prevent relational, family and sexual violence.

We Believe:

• People can grow, learn, and improve with education and opportunity.
• Everyone has the right to live in a safe and respectful environment.
• Children are of value and worthy of respect.
• All cultures are worthy of equal respect.
• Ending Domestic violence and sexual assault is a community responsibility.
• People are resilient and have internal strength.
• Education can effect change in attitudes.
• Children shape our tomorrow.
• Individuals are important.
• Each individual’s life journey needs to be recognized and respected.
• Domestic violence and sexual assault are intolerable.
• People need people.
• Positive self-esteem is essential for a healthy life.

Because of these beliefs we:

• Treat people the way we want to be treated.
• Listen.
• Thank others.
• Offer words of encouragement.
• Consider others.
• Participate in constructive conversation – not gossip.
• Practice constructive conflict management.
• Remain positive and optimistic.
• Reflect upon how our words and actions affect others.
• Apologize.
• Request instead of assume.
• Forgive.
• Think WIN – WIN.
• Think first.
• Allow others to make choices.
• Are aware of non-verbal messages.
• Stay aware of “We”.

Developed by staff at all-staff retreat 9/97