Victims of domestic or sexual violence have a new support system on the Middle Peninsula. The Avalon Center has opened a location on Buckley Hall Road in Mathews to serve Mathews, Gloucester, King & Queen, and Middlesex counties.

The mission of the organization, which also has a location in Williamsburg, is to “promote healthy relationships and to end domestic and sexual violence.”

Empowerment is the central philosophy, said Tina Dishman, who is the Community Engagement coordinator for the Mathews location. “We embrace trauma-informed care,” she added.

The Avalon Center offers a 24-hour helpline, residential and outreach services, all of which are confidential and free of charge.

The organization is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit and has a range of programs and services for survivors. In addition to a shelter and transitional housing, Avalon staff also help people with case management, life skills, counseling, housing resources, and references when a situation ma...