What can libraries do in the field of domestic violence?

The trend in libraries now is to move more towards being a community center. Many are looking at adding social workers to help with needs from the community. But these needs typically focus on issues such as homelessness. While a worthy need, I wonder if we couldn't use the library as a neutral place where women could feel safe gathering resources and meeting people who can help them.

A woman might feel intimidated going to a shelter or police station, or may not understand the legal options that she has for protection. But if she could meet with an off-duty police officer at the library, or with a social worker, or a shelter worker, she might feel safer. Plus, saying that she's going to the library wouldn't be a lie, and wouldn't be likely to raise the suspicions of her abuser. And in today's tech-heavy age, many abusers are using things like tracking their victim's GPS to keep tabs on them.

I'm shifting the focus of my research proposal (or rather, narrowing it down) to ask what role libraries can play to help improve the situations for at-risk individuals. Libraries are already set up to help with job hunts--perhaps we could assist at-risk individuals in not just job hunts, but looking for apartments or transitioning from shelters to regular life. People may need to move to a new area to be safe, and may need to do research on prospects in that area to make the move.