For centuries, domestic violence was regarded as a private matter rather than a social crisis. Legal systems, societal norms, and patriarchal traditions upheld the idea that men had control over their wives, often justifying abuse under the guise of discipline. In ancient Rome, the “Rule of Thumb” permitted wife-beating with an object no thicker than a man’s thumb, an idea that persisted through the Middle Ages and into the modern era. In the United States, it was not until the late 19th century that legal reform began to challenge this status quo, and even then, progress was slow.
California has played a crucial role in reshaping the legal and social response to domestic violence. In 1976, it became one of the first states to create protective orders for survivors, allowing courts to issue restraining orders against abusers. In 1981, it criminalized marital rape—an important victory in recognizing that consent still applied within marriage. These reforms set a precedent for the rest of the country, yet legal protections alone were not enough. Survivors also needed safe spaces, resources, and community support. This urgent need led to the founding of La Casa de las Madres, California’s first shelter dedicated to women and children escaping abuse.
Women like Del Martin, a feminist activist and one of the earliest voices against domestic violence, played a pivotal role in raising awareness about the issue. In 1976, she published Battered Wives, one of the first books to document the systemic failures that kept women trapped in abusive relationships. Martin’s work, along with the activism of countless grassroots organizers, pushed domestic violence into the national conversation and laid the foundation for the shelter movement in California.
The Founding of La Casa de las Madres
In 1976, a coalition of San Francisco women—many of whom had experienced domestic violence first hand—recognized the dire lack of resources available to survivors. At the time, emergency shelters for women fleeing abuse were virtually nonexistent, and the legal, medical, and political systems largely ignored the issue. Women who left abusive partners faced the terrifying reality of homelessness, financial insecurity, and, often, further violence.
Among these founders was Dr. Shelley Fernandez, a psychologist and social justice activist who played a critical role in establishing the shelter. Fernandez donated a four-story Victorian home in San Francisco to serve as the organization’s first refuge for survivors. Another key figure was Marta Segovia Ashley, whose mother, Seferina Segovia Ortega, had been murdered by her abusive husband in 1947. Ashley’s advocacy ensured that the stories of women lost to domestic violence were not forgotten as she helped shape La Casa’s mission to protect future generations from similar fates.
The shelter was named La Casa de las Madres—“Home of the Mothers”—to honor women like Ortega and the countless others who had suffered at the hands of domestic violence. Without formal funding, the organization relied on volunteers and grassroots fundraising to keep its doors open. Word spread quickly, and within months, the shelter was at full capacity, highlighting the overwhelming need for such services in California.
La Casa became more than just a shelter; it is part of a growing movement to break the silence around domestic violence. The organization worked with activists, lawmakers, and survivors to push for policy changes, ensuring that intimate partner violence was no longer dismissed as a private issue.
Challenges and Impact
Over the decades, La Casa de las Madres has expanded its services beyond it’s temporary emergency shelter. Today, it provides a comprehensive network of support for survivors, including crisis hotlines, drop-in counseling, court accompaniment, and referral guidance. The organization also runs teen and youth programs that educate young people about healthy relationships and the warning signs of dating violence. Recognizing the importance of systemic change, La Casa has partnered with law enforcement and policymakers to improve response to domestic violence, helping to implement trauma-informed practices in police departments and advocating for stronger housing protections for survivors.
Despite these successes, significant challenges remain. California’s ongoing housing crisis makes it difficult for survivors to find safe and affordable places to live. Economic dependence, immigration status, and cultural stigma further complicate the decision to leave an abusive relationship. Yet, La Casa continues to ‘meet survivors where they are at’, as they advocate for local change. La Casa has been instrumental in pushing for policies that prevent landlords from evicting tenants based on domestic violence-related calls to law enforcement. The organization works with the San Francisco Police Department to implement trauma-informed responses to domestic violence cases, with the hope that survivors are met with support rather than skepticism. Many survivors still encounter barriers when seeking legal protection or reporting abuse to law enforcement, particularly in marginalized communities.
A Vision for a Violence-Free Future
The ultimate goal of La Casa de las Madres is not just to provide emergency support, but to change societal attitudes toward domestic violence. The organization envisions a future where intimate partner violence is no longer tolerated, where survivors are believed and supported, and where healthy relationships are the norm.
Ending domestic violence requires collective action. Women like Dr. Lenore Walker, a psychologist and researcher who developed the Battered Woman Syndrome framework, have worked to educate the public about the long-term psychological effects of IPV. Her research has informed legal defenses for battered women who fought back against their abusers and has reinforced the need for trauma-informed care. La Casa continues this legacy by advocating for survivor-centered policies. The establishment of the 24/7 crisis hotline and textline equips the SF community with round-the-clock support, knowing moments of crisis can erupt at any time.
A violence-free future will require changes at every level of society. As a collective, we must educate everyone about the signs of abuse, advocate for policies that protect survivors, and support organizations like La Casa de las Madres that provide life-saving services. Simple acts—such as speaking out against abuse, believing survivors, and offering support to those in need—can contribute to a broader cultural shift toward rejecting violence and fostering safer communities.
The Work Continues
Since its founding, La Casa de las Madres has provided thousands of survivors refuge, resources, and hope. Yet the work is far from over. Domestic violence remains a leading cause of injury and death for women under 45, and many survivors still struggle to find the support they need. It would be remiss not to mention the severity of the current political climate. The federal administration has made drastic cuts to funding, forcing the real-time diminishing and outright closing of our local San Francisco support services for survivors of domestic violence.
As we reflect on the history of domestic violence and both the progress and regress that has been made, it is crucial to honor the resilience and strength of organizations like La Casa de las Madres. Their daily efforts remind us that change is possible—but only if we continue to show up for the work. By supporting survivors, advocating for systemic reform, and challenging cultural norms that enable abuse, we can build a future where no one has to live in fear.
Author: Lexi Kleinberg