SINCE ITS INCEPTION IN 1975, AWAIC HAS WORKED TO INFORM THE PUBLIC OF THE PROBLEM OF ABUSED WOMEN AND TO PROVIDE SERVICES TO VICTIMS THEMSELVES. IT OPERATES AS A NATIONAL CLEARINGHOUSE BY FURNISHING INFORMATION AND REFERRALS, AND RECEIVES REQUESTS FOR TRAINING WORKSHOPS FROM BOTH TRADITIONAL AGENCIES AND COLLECTIVE-TYPE WOMEN'S GROUPS. SO THAT THE AWAIC FORMAT MAY SERVE AS A MODEL FOR SIMILAR SERVICE GROUPS, THE ARTICLE OFFERS INSTRUCTIONS ON HOW TO START THE ORGANIZATION AND PLAN FOR FUTURE PROGRAMMING, HOW TO LOOK FOR FUNDS AND KEEP THEM COMING, HOW TO RECRUIT AND TRAIN VOLUNTEERS, AND HOW TO USE THE MEDIA AND NOT VICE VERSA. GAINING APPROVAL FOR A PILOT PROJECT IS ALSO COVERED. TABLES PRESENT JOB DESCRIPTIONS AND A DISCUSSION OF AWAIC'S HOTLINE. A SUGGESTED READING LIST AND THE AWAIC 1976-1977 PROGRESS REPORT ARE APPENDED.