The Domestic Violence Shelter, Inc. is a private, nonprofit organization that opened its doors in 1978 as one of the first three domestic violence shelters in Ohio. The Shelter was founded by a group of concerned citizens who were moved to provide much needed assistance to victims of domestic violence who found themselves in danger and no options for safety. The program began in an office downtown Mansfield with all volunteer staff. A few years later, a very generous community member donated a three story house. After several renovations, the house became a 4-bedroom shelter with administrative offices on the third floor. In 1998, The Shelter with a grant from Richland County Foundation purchased its current facility. In 2007, The Shelter became a dual-focused program, also providing 24/7 advocacy and support to survivors of sexual assault who present in the emergency room at OhioHealth Mansfield and Avita. In 2022, an annexed building was renovated to increase beds. Our current property has over 12,500 square feet with space to sleep 48 survivors. The Shelter has moved from providing primarily emergency shelter to becoming a full-service organization that provides a full range of services to survivors of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking.