Our Services & Programs

Helping Adults Heal from Sexual Violence

The horrific experiences of rape and childhood sexual abuse are among the most traumatic, often leading to long-term issues such as depression, low self-esteem, substance abuse, physical ailments and eating disorders. With counseling, survivors can reverse or avoid many of the mental and physical effects of abuse. We provide free individual and group counseling for survivors of rape and childhood sexual abuse. Call (202) 232-0789 to make an appointment.

Helping Children Heal from Sexual Abuse

Little strikes more fear in the heart of a parent than learning that their child has been sexually abused. But there is help, for both the child and non-offending family members. Specialized techniques such as art and play therapy help children aged 4-17 integrate and heal from the trauma of sexual violation. Therapy for children is available for up to a year. Call (202) 232-0789 to make an appointment.

Accompanying Survivors Through the Systems

For a survivor, navigating the medical or legal systems alone can feel overwhelming, impersonal, and traumatic. Trained volunteers from the Center are available to meet a rape survivor at a hospital, police station or court 24 hours a day to help them through the systems and provide emotional support. Call the Hotline at (202) 333- RAPE to obtain an advocate.

Being There, 24/7

A trained counselor is available to provide a supportive, listening ear to survivors 24 hours a day, through our crisis hotline (202) 333-RAPE. For many survivors, our hotline is the first place they turn to for non-judgmental support. The anonymity can enable survivors to begin talking about their experience when a face-to-face interaction feels too intense.

Educating the Community

We offer free sexual assault awareness and prevention and risk reduction presentations (including sexual harassment workshops) to groups of all ages.

A Strong Voice for Survivors

We establish and coordinate citywide collaborations to ensure inter-agency effectiveness and sensitivity for survivors and to provide a stronger voice for survivors. This includes the Sexual Assault Response Team (SART) and the Sexual Assault Coordinating Council (SACC). We advocate on behalf of survivors regarding legislation, current issues, the media, and institutions that affect survivors. Sometimes this advocacy is for an individual survivor and other times it is to advocate with systems or institutions on behalf of survivors or potential victims.

Training Professionals

We provide training for professionals who work with survivors of sexual violence in a variety of public and private, non-profit organizations.

For the Deaf and Hard of Hearing

The TTY dedicated line (202-328-1371) is available Monday-Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Our hotline staff is also trained to work with the area relay services.