About

CARDV History & Mission

The mission of the Center Against Rape and Domestic Violence is twofold:

To provide services and support to those affected by sexual and domestic violence.
To provide education and leadership within the community to change the societal conditions that cultivate these forms of violence.

1960's

Grassroots Effort

Ending violence against women was a grassroots effort that grew out of the peace & civil rights movements when women working to free others realized they themselves did not have the same rights.

1972

First Hotline Opens

The first rape crisis hotline in the United States opened, followed two years later by the first women’s shelter.

1977

CWAR Opened

Corvallis Women Against Rape (CWAR), one of Oregon’s first sexual assault hotlines, opened in January. Operational on weekends only, volunteers staffed the hotline.

1981

CARDV was Born

Recognizing the overlap of issues, the CWAR hotline merged with Linn-Benton Association for the Prevention of Domestic Violence, which had begun in 1978. With this joining, CARDV was born.

2016

The Center Against Rape and Domestic Violence is Published

If you are interested in learning more about CARDV’s history, you can purchase Mary Zelinka's book for $20. Checks payable to CARDV and can be mailed to:

CARDV
PO Box 914
Corvallis, OR 97339
Please add note that the $20 is for purchasing the book.

Today

CARDV is Operational 24/7

CARDV’s 24-hr Crisis and Support Line (still reached through the original hotline number: 541-754-0110) is operational 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

Blake House, CARDV’s first shelter, serves as CARDV’s Administrative Office.

Our Advocacy Center, located in South Town Corvallis, is open to the public for advocacy and donation drop offs.

CARDV operates two safe shelters in confidential locations.