Meet Our NEW Community Reponse Advocacy Team!

NVRDC is excited to expand our advocacy response for sexual assault survivors from the hospital to the community at large. Community Response Advocates are now responding in person to sexual assault survivors seeking to report their victimization to MPD's Sexual Assault Unit. Under DC’s Sexual Assault Victims’ Rights Amendment Act of 2019 (SAVRAA 2019), sexual assault survivors have the right to an advocate at any interview with a District Agency, including the police.

NVRDC Community Response Advocates will respond to provide crisis intervention services including:

• safety planning

• referrals connection to resources

• assistance with Crime Victims Compensation (CVC); and

• vertical advocacy for long-term follow up (meaning that the same advocate that responds to a survivor in the community will also be the same advocate that provides long-term support).

Survivors who choose not to engage the hospital program deserve to have the same access to a supportive advocate in the moment of crisis. NVRDC Community Response Advocates are proud to be able to offer these services using our holistic service model.

Meet some members of our Community Response Advocacy Team!

1. Why did you decide to join NVRDC? What drew you to this work? Why is this work rewarding?

Selma: I joined NVRDC as a Case Management intern on the Advocacy team in Summer 2020 ahead of my final year in college because I wanted to contribute to meaningful work happening in the sexual assault survivor community during the difficult period of the COVID-19 pandemic. During this virtual internship, I realized that what NVRDC does is exactly the important and essential work that I want to do for many years to come. When I saw the opportunity arise to be a Community Response Advocate and work permanently with NVRDC, I jumped at the chance and started the position 10 days after graduating. As a survivor who never got adequate help or resources after my own assaults, giving back to this community and contributing my time and efforts to other survivors is the most rewarding work I can imagine doing. One day, I would like to be on the policy-side of sexual assault prevention and I believe that frontline experience will help me achieve that goal in the future.

Leshay: I decided to join NVRDC due to their vertical advocacy model for survivors. The fact that I could continue to care for people long term, means they have someone to turn to when times get rough. My work is rewarding because I believe we were created to love one another and this job enables me to do what I am designed to do.

Bethashley: I was drawn to the work at NVRDC because the way systemic issues compound and diversify a survivor experiences with the justice system fascinates me. NVRDC’s belief in supporting victims of all types of crime and my experience supporting survivors through direct advocacy has increased my passion for community health work.

Manuel: NVRDC’s mission feels close to my heart. I want to be part of the change, not just watch it from a distance. Though it was not always the case— today, I embrace being a Survivor. I never told anyone about it because I felt I was going to be punished, and for years I thought that what happened was all my fault. One day, I couldn’t take it anymore and started to look for resources that could help me. I kept searching until I found an advocate who helped to empower me to change my life. Once I got my life on the right track for me, I decided to become an advocate myself, so I could be able to assist people who are going through the same or similar situations I went through. Somehow I feel I have gotten back something that was stolen from me a long time ago. We all need someone who believes us, someone that is available to listen without judgment and is willing to help. I want to be one of those people who are available to survivors, since having someone by my side who understood my situation completely changed my life by giving me options, helping me get me out of the dark, and helping me realize I have a big purpose in life. Survivors understanding the system, making informed decisions, and feeling empowered by options is the greatest reward!

2. How is a community response advocate different from a regular advocate or hospital advocate?

Leshay: A Community Response Advocate differs from a regular advocate in that they respond to the scene in which they are needed to address the survivors' situation in the community, rather than responding to a controlled environment— like a hospital. Meeting a survivor where they are at is crucial for victims of crime that may not be able to or may not wish to go to the hospital to access a medical forensic exam.

3. What do you do for self-care? What is keeping you happy/motivated during this pandemic?

Selma: During the pandemic, I was finishing my undergraduate studies so there were many times it was difficult to find the motivation to be productive and learn to take care of myself. I found myself taking baths more often to relax rather than just hurrying through showers to get back to work, shutting my computer off completely when I had time to myself, taking naps when I was feeling emotionally overwhelmed, and making time to talk to my friends and family.

Leshay: Self-care for me is a learning process but the Bible keeps me motivated during this pandemic because only God knows what a person is going through and no matter how much you confide in other people they will never know what your heart is going through.

Wilnisha: I have a self-care plan that holds me accountable because I can tend to fall off if I’m not mindful. I have a list of my self care activities that re-center me when I’m not on point. I like to start my day with affirmations and light journaling to ground myself. I also try to meet up with friends weekly or biweekly because the pandemic has made me prefer to just stay home and be in my own bubble. But hanging with them makes me happy and reminds me of how blessed I am to have amazing people in my life! Also, trying new restaurants and foods make me happy during the pandemic. It has definitely made me gain some pounds, but I’m not mad about it. I’m showing myself grace around it, knowing that the pandemic was a huge life shift, and I’m coping with it the best way I see fit. Lastly, I do like to go out in nature and just be present but I’m not a huge fan of bugs so it’s a interesting quest but I make it work the best I can.

Bethashley: Since the pandemic I’ve been an active yogi, which has really helped me be balanced and more importantly maintain a schedule. It’s been rewarding to see how far I’ve come since I first started yoga just as a way to keep myself moving. I’ve also begun baking bread... way too much bread which balances out my yoga sessions making it a well-rounded self-care plan!

Alexandra: For self-care, I focus on activities that I enjoy. Sometimes it can be hard to leave the difficult things we encounter at work and when I feel myself thinking about those things I try to distract myself with activities I enjoy doing. These include going for walks outside or watching a favorite movie. I kept motivated during the pandemic by seeing clients needs increase. When I saw how it was impacting them, it automatically made me feel motivated to try and get them the resources they needed, even if they were unique needs that I normally would not encounter.

Manuel: I love to walk around in my neighborhood; fresh air is always a good idea. I love to drink almond milk iced lattes on a hot summer day and meet up with my friends for a good brunch on a beautiful Sunday! 

Learn more about our talented and passionate team by checking out their bios.