Seven Decades of Refuge: Why WEAVE's Fight Against Domestic Violence Is Everyone's Business

When you think of domestic violence, it’s tempting to see it as someone else’s crisis—a private matter tucked behind closed doors. That misconception is exactly what WEAVE in Sacramento is working to dismantle.

The organization has spent 70 years building a sanctuary for survivors of domestic violence, offering everything from safe shelter to legal assistance to free counseling. But CEO Beth Hassett is crystal clear on one point: this isn’t just an issue for the people experiencing it.“When everyone acts, violence ends,”she says. It’s a community problem, full stop.

Here’s the reality Hassett wants Sacramento to understand: survivors often carry shame and isolation alongside their trauma. They fear nobody will believe them. They think they’re powerless. What WEAVE provides is proof that they’re not alone—and that help is real and immediate. The organization removes barriers to recovery, navigating the legal system, finding housing, and offering counseling when survivors need it most.

But there’s a gap WEAVE can’t close by itself. The organization is calling on employers, neighbors, and friends to become vigilant. The people who work alongside potential victims eight to ten hours a day hold enormous power to recognize warning signs and direct someone to safety. This isn’t about overstepping—it’s about recognizing that abuse thrives in silence and isolation.

Looking ahead, WEAVE plans to deepen its partnership with Sacramento’s business community. The corporate world sees workers in vulnerable moments; employers can be trained to spot red flags and connect people to resources. It’s a smart, practical shift that multiplies the organization’s reach without waiting for survivors to knock on the door in crisis.

One more thing worth noting: WEAVE serves everyone fleeing domestic violence, not just women. That inclusive approach matters, because abuse doesn’t discriminate, and neither should support.