A simple, step-by-step guide to reaching the right people if you or someone you know needs help with safety, legal advice, or support around college life and beyond.
Introduction: You Don’t Have to Figure It Out Alone
Imagine your daughter just left for college. Or your friend texted you saying something happened at a party and she doesn’t know what to do. Or maybe you yourself are a student who feels unsafe and has no idea where to turn.
In moments like these, the most important thing is knowing who to call and how to reach them.
This guide will tell you exactly that — clearly, simply, and without confusion. Whether you need help right now, want to plan ahead, or simply want to learn more, here is everything you need to know about contacting the right organisations.
Organisation 1: Westchester County Office for Women (OFW)
The Westchester County Office for Women is a government office [run by Westchester County, New York] that supports, educates, and protects women and families across the region. They run programmes, provide resources, and connect people to help.
📞 How to Contact the OFW — By Phone
Different numbers are available depending on when you are calling and what language you speak:
| Situation | Phone Number | Availability |
|---|---|---|
| General Enquiries (English) | (914) 995-5972 | Weekdays, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Spanish Language Support | (914) 995-6581 | Weekdays, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| After Hours and Weekends | (914) 995-2099 | After 5:00 PM and Weekends |
💡 Tip: Save all three numbers in your phone right now — especially the after-hours number. Emergencies do not wait for office hours.
🌐 How to Contact the OFW — Online
| Method | Details |
|---|---|
| Official Website | women.westchestercountyny.gov |
| Safety Resources (Downloadable PDF) | OFW Sexual Assault Resources List |
| Past Empower Hour Webinars | Available on the OFW website — free to watch anytime |
📍 How to Contact the OFW — In Person
The White Plains Office is the main physical location for the Westchester County Office for Women.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | White Plains, Westchester County, New York |
| Office Hours | Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM |
| County Address | 148 Martine Avenue, White Plains, NY 10601 |
| General County Number | (914) 995-2000 |
💡 Tip: If you are visiting in person for the first time, call ahead on (914) 995-5972 to confirm the exact room or floor and to let them know you are coming.
📺 How to Access OFW’s Free Educational Webinars
The OFW runs a free webinar series called Empower Hour that covers topics like college safety, personal protection, legal rights, and more.
✅ Watch the latest webinar — “Beyond the Quad: Personal Safety at College”:
👉 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MdzBQEDZrYo
✅ Browse all past Empower Hour sessions:
👉 women.westchestercountyny.gov
These are completely free, require no registration, and are available 24 hours a day — watch them at your own pace, from anywhere.
Organisation 2: Pace Women’s Justice Center (PWJC)
The Pace Women’s Justice Center is a non-profit legal organisation [meaning they do not charge for their services and their main goal is to help people, not make money]. They specialise in helping survivors of sexual assault, domestic violence [abuse at home], and harassment.
They are especially helpful for college students because they understand the legal challenges young people face when transitioning into adulthood.
📞 How to Contact PWJC — By Phone
| Purpose | Phone Number | Availability |
|---|---|---|
| Legal Services and Support | (914) 422-4069 | During business hours |
💡 Tip: If you are a student and something has happened to you or a friend, this number connects you to free, confidential legal help [confidential means they will not share your information without your permission].
🌐 How to Contact PWJC — Online
| Method | Details |
|---|---|
| PWJC Legal Services Page | pace.edu/law/PWJC |
💼 What Can PWJC Help You With?
If you are not sure whether PWJC is the right contact for your situation, here is a simple breakdown:
| Your Situation | Can PWJC Help? |
|---|---|
| Something happened to me on campus and I don’t know my rights | ✅ Yes |
| I want free legal advice about sexual assault | ✅ Yes |
| I need help reporting an incident safely | ✅ Yes |
| I want to understand what Title IX means for me | ✅ Yes |
| I want to help a friend who was assaulted | ✅ Yes |
| I need safety planning advice | ✅ Yes |
| I just want to learn more before going to college | ✅ Yes |
Who Should Contact These Organisations?
You do not have to be in a crisis to reach out. These organisations welcome:
✅ Students heading to college who want to be prepared
✅ Parents who want resources to share with their children
✅ Friends who are worried about someone they care about
✅ Survivors who need legal help or emotional support
✅ Teachers and counsellors looking for resources to share with students
✅ Anyone in Westchester County who wants to learn more about personal safety
Step-by-Step: What to Do If You or Someone You Know Needs Help Right Now
Sometimes you know something is wrong but you don’t know what to do first. Follow these steps:
Step 1 — Make sure the person is physically safe first.
If there is immediate danger, call 911 first.
Step 2 — Call the OFW after-hours number if it is outside office hours.
📞 (914) 995-2099 — available evenings and weekends.
Step 3 — During weekday office hours, call the main OFW line.
📞 (914) 995-5972 (English) or (914) 995-6581 (Spanish)
Step 4 — For free legal advice and support, contact PWJC.
📞 (914) 422-4069
🌐 pace.edu/law/PWJC
Step 5 — Download the OFW Safety Resources list.
🔗 OFW Resources PDF — keep it saved on your phone.
Step 6 — Watch the free webinar for guidance.
📺 youtube.com/watch?v=MdzBQEDZrYo
Quick Reference Card — Save or Screenshot This
| Organisation | Phone | Website | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| OFW (English) | (914) 995-5972 | women.westchestercountyny.gov | Mon–Fri, 9AM–5PM |
| OFW (Spanish) | (914) 995-6581 | women.westchestercountyny.gov | Mon–Fri, 9AM–5PM |
| OFW (After Hours) | (914) 995-2099 | women.westchestercountyny.gov | Evenings & Weekends |
| PWJC Legal Help | (914) 422-4069 | pace.edu/law/PWJC | Business Hours |
| Westchester County | (914) 995-2000 | westchestercountyny.gov | Mon–Fri, 9AM–5PM |
Conclusion: Save the Numbers, Share the Knowledge
The hardest part of asking for help is often not knowing where to start. Now you do.
The Westchester County Office for Women and the Pace Women’s Justice Center are here for exactly these moments — whether you are preparing your child for college, supporting a friend in need, or seeking help for yourself.
You do not have to face it alone. Help is one phone call away.
📢 Please save these numbers, download the resource list, and share this article with every student, parent, and friend in your life. The more people who know where to turn, the safer our communities become.
📌 Source: Westchester County Office for Women — Official Press Release, August 6, 2026. Empower Hour Webinar Series: “Beyond the Quad: Personal Safety at College.” Available at westchestercountyny.gov
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