Advocacy Services

 
 

SEXUAL ASSAULT & RAPE CRISIS RESPONSE

All NVRDC advocates are trained as sexual assault advocates under DC law. They support DC sexual assault survivors in two different ways:

Hospital Response: When a sexual assault happens, some survivors want to get an exam to collect evidence of the crime. This exam is called a "medical forensic exam." Survivors who want to access this exam in DC are met at MedStar Washington Hospital Center by NVRDC advocates. The advocate provides support through the initial crisis phase and the recovery process, including assistance with crime victims’ compensation, housing, entry into counseling, follow-up medical care, and legal services. NVRDC is proud to partner with MedStar Washington Hospital Center, DC Forensic Nurse Examiners, and DC’s Office of Victim Services, who co-manage the DC SANE program, to provide this service.

Community Response: Since May of 2021, NVRDC's community response advocates became available to respond to survivors who want support while reporting to the police. Advocates can respond anywhere in the DC community, including responding at the scene of the crime, a survivor's home, or anywhere else! Our advocates can also provide free transportation to MedStar Washington Hospital should a survivor decided they want to access a medical forensic exam.

If you would like to reach an advocate or to access a medical forensic exam after a sexual assault, you can reach us by calling the DC Victim Hotline at 1-844-4HELPDC (844-443-5732).

ADVOCACY & CASE MANAGEMENT

Victimization can be an overwhelming experience for both direct and indirect victims of crime. Immediate needs may vary based on victimization type and various other circumstances. NVRDC advocacy staff conduct an assessment of new clients’ short-term physical and mental health and personal needs and strive to meet those needs with direct services or targeted network referrals.  The purpose of ongoing advocacy is to provide victims of crime with a point of contact during their recovery process. The goal of the advocacy program is to provide ongoing assessment of victims’ needs and stabilizing support to victims and to ensure that victims’ needs are being addressed and met either through NVRDC’s services or those of a trusted referral partner.
 

WHAT DOES ADVOCACY INCLUDE?

  • Crisis intervention, coping skills, safety planning, and emotional support

  • Accompaniment during police or on-campus reporting

  • Accompaniment to court or on-campus proceedings

  • Assistance with the Crime Victims Compensation Application

  • Letters of support to your school or workplace

  • Referrals to other services and community partners, including:

    • Housing Assistance

    • Mental Health Providers & Support Groups

    • Medical Care

    • Public Assistance Program (eg. TANF, SNAP, etc)

    • Social and Educational Services

Want to learn more about our advocacy services?

Contact us by calling (202) 742-1727