BROWNSILLE—Friendship of Women is a nonprofit organization that offers free and confidential services.
According to its website, the mission of the organization is to provide leadership and comprehensive services to empower and promote safety, health and the overall well-being of adults and children impacted by family and sexual violence.
Rebecca Torteya, sexual assault outreach educator, said the organization offers a variety of services from legal advocacy to court accompaniment.
“We have counseling services, and then we have our sexual assault program and our family violence program where we can have crisis intervention and advocacy,” Torteya said.
On average, Friendship of Women provides a safe place to 450 women and children each year.
“I think it’s important that everyone knows that we’re here and that we exist because all we want to do is help. So, I would say to just not be afraid or ashamed to call us,” Torteya said.
She said the organization provides hospital companions, as well as supportive housing and shelter.
Friendship of Women is located at 95 East Price Rd. in Brownsville.