Why We Do What We Do

The DC Rape Crisis Center recently received this touching letter from a survivor:

“I was ready to just leave when the nurses decided to call a victim's advocate from your center. She did an awesome job. She totally understood that I hadn't exactly "chosen" to be in the emergency room at 2:00 a.m. and that I was basically scared and confused by the whole intimidating, bureaucratic process. Unlike the nurse and cop, she listened to me and told me that my fear and confusion were normal. I had done the right thing by coming in and she understood that, especially in date rape cases where you know the person who did this to you (and may have even been in love with them), it is often difficult to press charges against them, no matter how convinced you are that what they did was wrong.

She listened and gave me as much information as she could. She got me into a taxi. I never did the kit but later did end up speaking to a lawyer about it, to gather more information. I decided not to take legal action but did end up dealing with the rapist in my own way—by talking to him myself and explaining what he'd done. Now he will never contact me again and I can begin dealing with this situation with counseling at the center.

Whatever training she got, she definitely used. I was utterly impressed by her good attitude, sincerity, and sensitivity. What an amazing person. Please let her know that she really helped me that night and that I still remember many of the things she said to me. I remember them when I'm feeling down.

Thanks so much for offering this service and for sending people like her out into hospitals in the middle of the night to talk to people like me. It's awesome.”