The Wingspan Anti-Violence Project (AVP) is a social change and social service program that works to address and end violence in the lives of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) people. We provide free and confidential 24-hour crisis intervention, information, support, referrals, emergency shelter, and advocacy to LGBT victim/survivors of violence. Additionally, we offer extensive outreach and education programs.
If you are in crisis, please call our 24-Hour Crisis Line at:
520-624-0348 or 1-800-553-9387.
The Wingspan AVP's Crisis Line is available 24 hours-a-day, 7 days-a-week, 365 days-a-year. Our staff and trained volunteers offer emotional and practical support to victim/survivors of violence. Support is available in both English and Spanish. All calls are confidential, and callers may remain anonymous.
Walk-In Hours for anyone needing services from the Anti-Violence Project are from 11am to 4pm at the Wingspan Community Center located at 425 E. 7th Street.
All services of the AVP are available in English and Spanish. Ofrecemos todos nuestros servicios en espaņol.
Temporary emergency shelter for 1-3 nights may be available for LGBT victims of domestic, sexual or hate violence who have no other resources available to them.
AVP organizes the community to respond to acts of violence occurring around Southern Arizona. If a bias crime is committed and police or media response is slow or absent, AVP raises its voice to demand a thorough investigation. We organize the community to speak out against prejudice and bigotry, insisting on equal rights for the LGBT community. Stay tuned to the weekly E-news and the Wingspan website for community forums and actions.
AVP works to raise awareness of the realities of violence against and within the LGBT community. The AVP works to change public attitudes that tolerate or instigate violence by educating the broader community about LGBT lives, domestic, and sexual violence. We also offer an amazing training on LGBT Latino/a Cultural Competency. If your agency or organization is interested in a presentation or training, call the Wingspan front desk for more information: 520-624-1779.
Bias crimes - ranging from harassment to murder - are committed against people because of who they are or how they are perceived. Our crisis line provides immediate crisis intervention and support to callers. In addition, staff and trained volunteers provide assistance in filing a report, court accompaniment, and help filing claims for victim assistance benefits.
Domestic violence occurs in LGBT relationships at the same rate as heterosexual/non-transgender relationships. LGBT survivors of domestic violence suffer from a range of abuse, including physical violence as well as intimidation, isolation, and emotional abuse. We provide crisis intervention, support, advocacy, and other assistance to hundreds of survivors of domestic violence every year. We help people create safety plans, consider their options, and locate emergency shelter options.
There is very little research on sexual violence by or against LGBT people. What we do know is that it does happen. Many people think that a woman would never assault another woman or that men are naturally more rough sexually with each other. If you are anyone you know may have been sexually assaulted or harassed, please call us.
It is illegal in the City of Tucson and in Pima County to harass or discriminate against someone based on their sexual orientation, gender, or gender identity. If you experience harassment, please report it to us, every time. If you feel that you have been discriminated against because of your sexual orientation, gender, or gender identity, we can help. You deserve respect.
The Wingspan AVP is a member of the National Coalition of Anti-Violence Programs (NCAVP. The NCAVP addresses the pervasive problem of violence committed against and within the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender (LGBT) and HIV-positive communities. NCAVP is a coalition of programs that document and advocate for victims of anti-LGBT violence/harassment, domestic violence, sexual assault, police misconduct and other forms of victimization. NCAVP is dedicated to creating a national response to the violence plaguing these communities. For more information on the NCAVP, please visit www.avp.org.
AVP is always in need of volunteers. The 16-hour crisis line training takes place over the course of a two-week period. Training topics include: the LGBT community, domestic violence, hate crimes, and suicide. For more information, please call 520-624-1779 and ask for the volunteer coordinator.
Please email or call us to make an appointment. We can be reached at the main Wingspan number, 520-624-1779 or at avp@wingspan.org.
In an emergency, please call our crisis line.
520-624-0348 or 800-553-9387
