Domestic violence affects people across all communities, backgrounds, and identities. It can be physical, emotional, financial, psychological, or sexual—and no one deserves to live with violence or fear. When people face domestic violence, having access to trustworthy support, safety planning, legal guidance, and community resources can be life-changing.
In the Dayton, Ohio area, Artemis Center plays a vital role in helping survivors navigate the complex legal, emotional, and safety issues that arise with domestic abuse. This article explains what Artemis Center is, what it offers, how it connects with the law, and why it matters for survivors and professionals alike.
What Is the Artemis Domestic Violence Center?
The Artemis Center, formally known as the Artemis Center for Alternatives to Domestic Violence, is a nonprofit organization based in Dayton, Ohio that provides comprehensive support services to people experiencing domestic violence and their children. Founded in 1985, Artemis was created to go beyond the basic shelter model by offering deeper advocacy, legal support, crisis intervention, education, and coordinated community responses to abuse.
The name “Artemis” comes from the Greek goddess revered for protecting the vulnerable and bringing light to dark places—a fitting symbol for an organization that helps people find safety, empowerment, and freedom from violence.
The Mission and Vision
Artemis Center’s mission is to empower survivors of domestic violence to make choices that help establish and maintain safety for themselves and their children, while working with the broader community to prevent abuse and improve responses to it.
Their vision includes creating a community where survivors have:
- Safety and security
- Understanding of their rights
- Emotional support
- Access to legal and practical resources
Why Artemis Center Matters
Domestic violence is widespread and can affect anyone. National statistics show that, on average, nearly 20 people per minute are physically abused by an intimate partner in the United States—translating to millions of people every year.
In Montgomery County alone, Artemis Center responds to thousands of calls and supports families through crisis and recovery. During peak years, the Center’s 24-hour domestic violence hotline has fielded thousands of calls from people in immediate need of help.
What Services Does Artemis Center Provide?
Artemis Center offers a wide range of free services for survivors and their families. These services are designed to address immediate safety needs, legal challenges, emotional support, and long-term well-being. Here’s an overview:
- 24/7 Crisis Hotline and Intervention
Artemis operates a confidential, 24-hour domestic violence hotline (937-461-HELP) answered by trained advocates 24/7. Survivors and concerned loved ones can call anytime for immediate support, coaching in safety planning, and referrals to local shelters or resources.
- Safety Planning and Advocacy
Each survivor’s situation is unique. Advocates work one-on-one with survivors to develop personalized safety plans, assess risk, and identify options for leaving an unsafe environment safely.
- Legal Assistance and Court Accompaniment
Artemis provides support through the legal process, including:
- Helping survivors understand their civil and criminal legal options
- Assisting with protection orders
- Accompanying survivors to court hearings
- Providing information about how domestic violence is treated in the legal system
This legal support is crucial because navigating protection orders, custody issues, or criminal charges without guidance can be overwhelming.
- Advocacy and Referrals
The Center connects survivors with community partners and resources such as housing support, financial aid, counseling, and employment services. Advocates also help survivors access programs like Crime Victims Compensation and Safe at Home address confidentiality programs.
- Support and Education Groups
Artemis offers confidential support groups where survivors can share experiences and build community. Education groups help survivors and their children understand the dynamics of abuse, healing strategies, and healthy relationship skills.
- Community Education and Prevention
Artemis Center staff provide education to schools, community organizations, employers, and service providers to increase awareness of domestic violence, increase early identification of abuse, and promote safety practices.
Special Programs and Innovative Services
Beyond core advocacy, Artemis continues to expand its reach with specialized projects:
Child and Family Support
Artemis recognizes the deep impact domestic violence has on children, and offers targeted support and therapy for non-offending parents and affected children to help them process trauma and develop healthy coping skills.
Health Access Mobile Advocacy
Through this initiative, Artemis integrates public health approaches by increasing access to healthcare, education, and community outreach to ensure survivors’ physical and mental health needs are supported.
Transportation and Practical Assistance
Recognizing that barriers like transportation can keep survivors trapped in dangerous situations, Artemis provides practical help like bus tokens, gas cards, taxi rides, and assistance with safety-related needs (e.g., lock changes) where available.
How Artemis Works With the Legal System
A defining feature of Artemis Center is its close relationship with law enforcement, courts, and other legal partners. As early as 1993, Artemis helped form the Family Violence Collaborative, bringing together police, criminal justice professionals, child protection agencies, and healthcare providers to improve community responses to domestic violence.
For law practices, Artemis can be an essential partner in:
- Coordinating court accompaniment for clients
- Providing expert advocacy to support protection order hearings
- Educating clients about legal options
- Connecting clients with legal aid or civil attorneys
This multidisciplinary collaboration helps ensure that survivors receive coordinated support throughout the legal process, which can significantly affect long-term safety outcomes.
How Everyday People Can Use Artemis Center
Survivors and their loved ones can access Artemis Center by:
- Calling the 24/7 hotline at 937-461-HELP for immediate support and information
- Visiting the center in person at 310 West Monument Ave., Dayton, OH during walk-in hours
- Contacting advocates for safety planning, legal guidance, support groups, or referrals to shelters, housing, and services
All services are free and confidential, and advocates are trained to respond with trauma-informed care, respect, and understanding.
Why Artemis Center Is More Than a Service—It’s a Community Resource
Over its more than 40 years of service, Artemis has touched the lives of tens of thousands of survivors and children, providing lifelines out of violence and pathways toward healing and empowerment.
For law practices and community professionals, Artemis is not just a resource referral—it’s a partner in crafting comprehensive, survivor-centered legal strategies and ensuring that clients receive the support they need beyond the courtroom.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Is Artemis Center only for women?
No. Artemis serves all survivors of domestic violence and their children, regardless of gender or age.
- Do I have to pay for services?
No. All Artemis Center services are free of charge.
- Is the hotline confidential?
Yes. The 24/7 domestic violence hotline is confidential and answered by trained advocates.
- Can Artemis help with protection orders?
Yes. Artemis provides information, support, and court accompaniment for civil and criminal legal protections.
- Do I need to leave my home to get help?
No. Artemis provides support whether you are safe at home, in a shelter, or in transition. Safety planning and advocacy are tailored to your situation.
Final Thoughts: A Lifeline of Hope and Practical Support
The Artemis Domestic Violence Center stands as a beacon of support for survivors of domestic abuse in Dayton and surrounding communities. It combines immediate crisis intervention with legal guidance, emotional support, education, and community advocacy—recognizing that survival is just the beginning of healing and stability.
For everyday people, Artemis offers critical resources and compassionate help when violence feels overwhelming or isolating.
For law practices and advocates, Artemis is a trusted partner in building safety-centered legal strategies that protect and empower survivors.
If you or someone you know is in danger or needs help, don’t wait. Reach out to Artemis Center or an advocate today—it could change a life.