Philosophy of Care: The DCRCC Advocacy Program exists to support and empower survivors of sexual violence. Individuals who have experienced any form of sexual violence have survived a profound violation which can lead to deep and difficult feelings. These feelings can impact a persons’ relationship with family, friends, partners, work and, importantly, the relationship to self.Our advocacy services use a survivor centered approach. At DCRCC this approach means intentionally focuses on empowering survivors to regain control over their lives, helping and facilitating choice through sharing knowledge of client’srights and options, understanding that knowledge is power, respecting the right to self-determination, and highlighting that all forms of oppression are connected. Whether you experienced sexual violence recently or decades ago, it is possible to heal and you are not alone.
Values:
- We believe in the capacity for every survivor to heal and thrive
- We are committed to the belief that all forms of oppression are linked, we value accessibility, cultural respect and understanding, as well as the empowerment of all people
- We respect the unique experiences of each survivor and believe that survivors are experts in their own experiences
- We support people to find their own power to improve the quality of their lives
- We believe that healing from sexual trauma is a series of journeys.
- We serve as guides assisting the survivor on the next part of their journey, providing them with tools and support, along with an invitation to hope, trust, and embrace their power.
- We act and advocate with authenticity and integrity by staying true to these core values in all we do
- Survivor’s seeking hospital services from an emergency department in the District of Columbia regardless of where or when the assault occurred;
- Survivor’s seeking medical, forensic, and/or hospital care in the District for an assault;
- Survivor’s interested in reporting a sexual assault to District law enforcement regardless of the classification of the case or its outcome;
- Or survivor’s meeting with any District Agency about a sexual assault.
To immediately access a Sexual Assault Advocate or access either medical care, a forensic exam or report to MPD, you can reach us by calling DC Victim Helpline at 844-443-5732.
To obtain advocacy services, a survivor can call the DC Victim Hotline and ask for a Community or Hospital advocate. Advocacy services are also offered upon interaction with Metropolitan Police Sexual Assault detectives, MedStar Transport Call Center, a sexual assault nurse examiner, or other District Agency personnel, who can call the DC Victim Hotline on behalf of a survivor. Advocacy services can be terminated at any time by the survivor.
Acute Advocacy Services:
For a survivor, navigating the medical or legal systems alone can feel overwhelming, impersonal, and traumatic. Advocates are available to meet in-person or virtually 24 hours a day to help them through the hospital, police, or court systems, and provide crisis intervention and emotional support. Advocates can support in person through this initial step of acute crisis.We can also coordinate a free safe ride to the hospital if/when needed. Advocates shall respond within one hour in person to the following locations as requested and also provide a free safe ride to survivors to
- MedStar Washington Hospital Center
- Any District of Columbia Emergency Department
- The location of any law enforcement interview taking place in the District
- Any location where a sexual assault nurse examiner (SANE) exam is being performed in the District.
The decisions of choosing or not choosing any medical, forensic, and/or hospital care, reporting an assault to District authorities, or the pursuit of any legal action, is always the choice of the survivor, and will never affect the quality of advocacy services offered. DCRCC values consent –the ability to decide freely- as a human right, and advocates will be there to support and affirm decisions made by a survivor.
Follow up/General Advocacy Services:
Following acute sexual assault advocacy response, survivors are invited to engage in ongoing sexual assault advocacy services designed to support survivors in the healing process. Advocates collaborate with survivors during the intake process to identify needs, supports, referrals and cultivate a plan for an ongoing partnership throughout the healing journey.
To learn more about Follow up/General Advocacy services, please contact Tammi Hogan at [email protected]