HAWC (Healing Abuse Working for Change, formerly known as Help for Abused Women and their Children, is the oldest and the most comprehensive domestic violence agency on the Massachusetts' North Shore. The mission of HAWC is to create social change by taking action against personal and societal patterns of violence and oppression. HAWC provides services and support to victims of domestic violence residing in 23 cities and towns on Massachusetts' North Shore in order that they may make informed, independent decisions about their futures.