About Us

Our History

Our Journey of Empowerment and Advocacy: A Timeline of Milestones

Since its founding in 1977, Younity (formerly Womanspace) has been a vital resource for victim-survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault in Mercer County and beyond. Over the decades, the organization has expanded its services to meet the needs of individuals in crisis, evolving in response to the changing dynamics of interpersonal violence. Below is a timeline highlighting key milestones in our journey toward empowering those affected by violence and creating a safer community for all.

Milestones That Shaped Our Mission

1976-1979

• 1976: Mercer County Commission on the Status of Women identifies domestic violence as a key issue.
• May 1977: Womanspace is incorporated by founders Barbara Boggs Sigmund, Mary Ann Cannon, Ellen Belknap, Deborah Metzger and Valorie Caffee.
• February 1978: The Mercer County Women’s Center opens, offering shelter for survivors of domestic violence.

1980-1989

• 1981: New Jersey enacts the Prevention of Domestic Violence Act, providing legal protections for victims.
• 1985: The first Domestic Violence Awareness Month is held in New Jersey.

1990-1999

• 1994: The Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) is passed, funding domestic violence programs nationwide.
• 1998: The Domestic Violence Victim Response Team (DVVRT) is launched in collaboration with local police.

2000-2010

• 2002: Womanspace launches its Sexual Assault Support Services (SASS), providing 24/7 support for sexual assault survivors.
• 2004: DVVRT expands to cover all Mercer County municipalities, including collaborations with The College of New Jersey and Princeton University.
• 2011: Womanspace opens the Barbara and Herb Goodfriend Counseling Center, providing expanded counseling services.

2011-2020

• 2011: The Children’s Services Program is introduced to offer therapeutic services to the youngest survivors of family violence.
• 2020: Womanspace adapts to the COVID-19 pandemic, continuing to provide essential services remotely and ensuring the safety of those in need.

2022-Present

• 2024: Womanspace is renamed to Younity, reflecting a broader, more inclusive mission that embraces all victim-survivors of domestic abuse and sexual assault, regardless of gender, race, or background. This name change symbolizes the organization’s continued commitment to unity, empowerment, and healing for everyone affected by interpersonal violence.