 These pioneer volunteers worked as a collective to formulate the operating principles of self-help and self-empowerment for battered women who turned to WAO for help.In June 1982, WAO received temporary registration as a society and a single storey house was rented as WAO's refuge and office premises.The Malay Mail published the first article about the planned Refuge and soon after in September 1980 WAO received its first resident at the shelter.