The NCADV is a grassroots, tax-exempt membership organization which works to stop violence against women and children. Established in 1978, NCADV is the only national organization of shelters and support services for battered women and their children. It has a network of over 1,200 shelters, safehomes, and counseling programs. NCADV has a national communication network of community-based programs: fosters local, State, and regional organizing; and provides a clearinghouse for information and technical assistance about domestic violence and services for battered women and their children. NCADV develops and promotes model programs which address high priority needs of battered women. Among NCADV's products are work with Federal legislators to obtain funding for services to battered women, information publications, a national directory of shelters and services for battered women and their children, national conferences, and a national toll-free hotline for battered women.