Causes: Civil Rights, Crime & Law, Crime & Legal-Related, Domestic Violence, Family Violence Shelters, Homeless & Housing, Human Services, Victims Services, Women, Womens Rights

Mission: Pathways to Safety International works with abused Americans and their children in foreign countries to provide domestic violence and child abuse advocacy, resources and tools so that they can navigate the complicated jurisdictional, legal & social international landscapes, to be able to live their lives free of abuse either in the foreign country or back in the United States. This is achieved via an international tollfree crisis line, 866-USWOMEN, accessible from 175 countries, serving a population estimated at 5.25 million American civilians overseas.

Results: In the past 10 years, 2001-2011, we have received 13,175 crisis calls, emails & live chats. We helped 2,848 Americans callers, mostly women, in 101 countries. We have provided "Flights to Freedom" for 81 families, provided 49 legal consultations and paid 24 legal retainers to enable battered mothers to file for custody of their children. We have also provided 62 families with funds for emergency needs and provided counseling services to 56 families.

Target demographics: Americans overseas civilian population estimated at 6 million and military personnel and their families estimated at 1 million

Direct beneficiaries per year: 500 families

Geographic areas served: Worldwide

Programs: The organization provides a lifeline of hope to American victims of domestic violence and sexual assault that live and travel overseas. Through our international, toll-free crisis line (accessible from 175 countries) we serve the approximately 7million Americans living abroad and 68 million who travel abroad annually. We help these populations navigate the complicated jurisdictional, legal, and social landscapes, the services we provide include danger to safety planning, relocation assistance, legal consultation, assistance with housing, and professional counseling.