INNOVATION PROJECTS

ELDER JUSTICE INITIATIVES

NVRDC recognizes the unique needs of survivors of elder abuse, financial exploitation and abuse later in life, with the understanding that age is just a number. Whether you are 50, 65, 90 or older there is help available to you if you are a victim of crime in the District of Columbia.  Nationally, it is estimated that only 1/14 victims of elder abuse receive help.  Through our elder justice initiatives, we strive to encourage reporting while at the same time raising community awareness. 

VLNDC-VICTIM LEGAL NETWORK OF DC

VLNDC is a network of legal service organizations in DC that can provide services to victims of crime in DC. The network provides victims of crime with access to 16 different legal service organizations that can provide legal help in a variety of issues including (but not limited to) family law, immigration, and crime victims’ rights. When a victim contacts VLNDC, we strive to connect the victim to any member organizations that may be able to assist them with their pending legal needs. If the network cannot assist them, we provide the victim with other resources to explore.

COMMUNITY VIOLENCE SERVICES

Our Community Violence Services are focused on increasing the availability of free crime victims’ rights (CVR) representation in DC, especially to people who have experienced a hate crime, the homicide of a loved one, or a physical assault by helping fund CVR attorneys and advocates at NVRDC.

SUPPORT & LEGAL ADVOCACY FOR YOUTH

NVRDC’s Support & Legal Advocacy for Youth program provides legal support and advocacy to youth (ages 12 to 24) survivors of dating violence, sexual assault and stalking. 

ITAP-IDENTITY THEFT ASSISTANCE PROJECT

Since its founding, NVRDC has opened its door to survivors of all crime types, including those impacted by identity theft, fraud, and financial exploitation. Through the years, it became increasingly apparent that 1) there exists an intersection between violent crime and identity theft and 2) victims of non-violent crimes have too few resources in the District to assist in recovery. The Identity Theft Assistance Project at NVRDC is working to address these gaps.

THERAPEUTIC SERVICES PROGRAM

NVRDC’s Therapeutic Services Program offers crisis/short-term counseling to survivors of sexual assault and intimate partner violence who connect to an Advocate via Washington Hospital Center, community advocacy, or NVRDC’s intake line. The program also operates NVRDC’s therapy support group, which allows survivors to gather in a safe space and process the impact of sexual assault. The group runs two - three times a year for ten - twelve weeks. According to Resick and Schnicke (1992), cognitive processing therapy (CPT) provided in a group format results in significant improvement of PTSD and depression measures post sexual assault.

More information coming in 2022!