BWRI was founded in 1978 by twelve local business women who recognized the growing need for an agency to help women and children who were in abusive relationships.

Originally named the Montachusett Taskforce on Battered Women, the agency adopted the name Battered Women's Resources, Inc. in 1981.

Our staff now consists of more than 20 employees plus numerous volunteers. Our funding is provided by DSS, City of Fitchburg CDBG, City of Leominster CDBG, the Gardner Police Department, VOCA/VAWA funds provided by MOVA, The Greater Worcester Community Foundation, United Way of Tri-County, United Way of Central Massachusetts, United Way of Gardner, United Way of Nashoba Valley, and private grants and donations.

We have offices located in Gardner and Leominster. Our service area covers the Montachusett region of north Worcester and northwest Middlesex Counties, including the communities of Ashburnham, Ashby, Ayer, Baldwinville, Barre, Berlin, Bolton, Boylston, Clinton, Devens, Fitchburg, Gardner, Groton, Harvard, Hubbardston, Lancaster, Leominster, Lunenburg, Otter River, Pepperell, Petersham, Philipston, Princeton, Shirley, Sterling, Templeton, Townsend, Westminster, Winchendon, and Winchendon Springs. This region incorporates a wide range of economic and ethnic diversity.

We are currently developing a completely new website for BWRI that will allow us to better serve the community. The new site will be launched in the upcoming months.

Our Vision

BWRI envisions an ideal world of nonviolence and equality where women and chidren live in peace.

Our Mission

BWRI is dedicated to creating a community free from domestic violence through education, intervention and prevention.

Our Guiding Principles

Non-violence, integrity, respect, cooperation, perserverance and dignity for all people.

United Way Helps Here