Our Mission

Steps to End Domestic Violence serves all survivors of intimate partner violence in Chittenden County, Vermont.

Our mission is to assist in the transition to a safe, independent life for all those who have been affected physically, sexually, emotionally or economically by domestic abuse and to promote a culture that fosters justice, equity, and safety.

Our History

Our organization was founded in 1974, as Women’s House of Refuge, by a group of volunteers working together to provide safety and support to those who experienced domestic violence.

Providing shelter and answering crisis calls in their own homes, these incredible women laid the foundation for what would become Steps to End Domestic Violence.

We changed our name from Women Helping Battered Women to Steps to End Domestic Violence in 2016 to better reflect our inclusive services and dedication to serving all survivors of intimate partner violence.

Our Vision

Our Values

Meet the Board

  • Maria Ogden

    Vermont Department of Health

  • Keiga Matsumoto

    Four Jewels, LLC

  • Jonathon Chapple-Sokol, Treasurer

    IBM, retired

  • Irena Cibra

    Southern New Hampshire University

  • Wes Snyder, Secretary

    Plan Integrity Partners

  • CJ Charlebois

    GuideWorth Advisors, LLC

Interested in becoming a Board Member? Apply to become apart of a dedicated, community oriented board on our volunteer page!

More Info

Meet our Executive Director

“It is my honor and privilege to begin as the Executive Director for Steps and to join the dedicated staff and volunteers who are impacting thousands of lives, in every corner of our community, from Underhill to Charlotte. I know that while I am just beginning in my new role, Steps is a strong organization with a long 50-year history that has been possible because of the ongoing support of this wonderful community and through the dedication of the staff and volunteers over the years. I believe it is important to respect and care for each other, to prevent violence with opportunities for learning and growth, and to work together to find creative ways both big and small to meet the needs for healing and change. During a time that violence continues in our homes, online, and on the streets, I will work tirelessly to ensure that our community knows that Steps is an organization where they will be welcomed and believed, treated with integrity and compassion, and where they will be able to find the resources they may need on their own journey to safety.” 

-Lizzy Lyons

The board of Directors of Steps to End Domestic Violence (Steps) is pleased to announce the appointment of Lizzy Lyons, The organization’s Executive Director