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History of the
DC Rape Crisis Center
In 1972, the D.C. Rape Crisis Center (DCRCC) was legally incorporated as one of the first
two rape crisis centers in the nation. The Center was established by a small group of
women who were motivated by sensitivity towards, and an understanding of, rape and its
effect on the lives of all women.
In the beginning, the Center was organized as a
collective with decision-making based on group consensus in weekly meetings. As more
women became involved, decision-making and tasks were organized into ongoing
committees. The weekly meetings then served as a place for committees to report on their
work and to receive feedback from the collective.
When the first D.C. government
funding contract was received in 1975, the members of the Center saw a need to formalize
their organizational structure to adhere to requirements of the Internal Revenue Service,
the city government, and foundations. The Center adopted by-laws which set forth
agency objectives and definitions of various decision-making groups within the
organization such as the Board of Directors, the Steering Committee and the Board of
Trustees.
Since that first contract in 1975, the DCRCC has grown. It now has a
traditional nonprofit structure of paid staff and a board of directors charged with policy
setting, planning and general oversight of the Center's mission. The organization has
maintained a deep commitment to the empowerment of women and a recognition of the
connection between various forms of oppression.
The Center's services include: a 24-hour
hotline, group and individual counseling services for rape and incest survivors and
their families and friends, a companion program to accompany survivors to hospitals, courts
and police proceedings, low-cost self-defense classes, a growing library, training for professionals working with survivors, and a wide array of
community education programs including "Staying Safe" classes for children of all ages
within the D. C. public school system.
Annually, the Center observes Sexual Assault Awareness Month in April. Dozens of events throughout the city include workshops, self defense classes, films and readings, and a Friday series providing educational programs for professionals working with survivors. The "Take Back the Night" rally and march always provides a focus for empowerment and breaking the silence of sexual assault.
The Center is dedicated to continuing and improving its services
and programs and celebrated its 25th Anniversary in 1997. |
