History

TESSA was established in May 1977 in response to the frequency of calls to police from women threatened or assaulted by their partners. At the time, domestic violence was considered a private matter and few resources were available to help victims. With help from the District Attorney and El Pomar Foundation, TESSA was established as a referral service.

This initial effort to provide information to victims of abuse has grown into a unique high-impact agency including a Safehouse, court support, counseling services, victims’ advocacy, support groups for adults and children, engaging with law enforcement and the Fourth Judicial District to address victim safety in the most lethal domestic violence cases, and working with children from abusive homes.