Founded in 1979, CUAV is the nation’s first LGBTQQ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and questioning) anti-violence organization. Our mission is to prevent and respond to violence against and within our diverse LGBTQQ communities. We accomplish this through peer-based counseling, direct assistance, education and outreach, grassroots organizing, and policy advocacy.

Born in the wake of the tragic murders of Harvey Milk and George Moscone, our early focus on addressing hate violence was expanded five years later to encompass domestic violence as well. CUAV is one of the first agencies in the country to realize the gravity of domestic violence in our LGBTQQ communities.

As part of the broader LGBTQQ social justice movement, CUAV works to build our communities' capacity to respond to, heal from, and prevent all forms of violence. We work with a range of community partner organizations and service providers to realize this vision.