Nest & Neighbors: DC Rape Crisis Center
Nest DC
We’re grateful to spotlight the
DC Rape Crisis Center, an organization that’s been doing deeply important work in our community for more than five decades. They’ve supported survivors across the District with care, advocacy, and resources rooted in dignity and empowerment.
Their work is steady, essential, and closely tied to the health of our city. We connected with Dr. Indira Henard, President and CEO, to learn more about what they’re seeing right now and how our community can show up.
Q: Can you tell us a bit about DC Rape Crisis Center and the work you’re leading?
A: “The DC Rape Crisis Center is dedicated to creating a world free from sexual violence. For fifty-four years, we have served survivors living at the sharpest edges of society—survivors whose identities and lived experiences often place them at the margins of multiple systems at once. As we approach our fifty-fifth anniversary, we do so with deep pride in our legacy and an unwavering commitment to our mission.
At the same time, we are clear-eyed about the urgency of this moment. The need is growing. The complexity of cases is increasing. Survivors are presenting with layered trauma, housing instability, economic insecurity, and immigration concerns. The stakes for survivors in the District could not be higher. Our work sits at the intersections of freedom, justice, and liberation. We provide life-saving 24/7 crisis intervention, hospital accompaniment, advocacy, counseling, and long-term support for disproportionately impacted survivors. We operate on the acute end of the continuum of care while also investing in prevention, education, and systemic change. This work is sacred. It is unscripted. It requires flexibility, cultural responsiveness, and sustained resources. And it is only possible because of strong, and consistent partnership.”
Q: What’s something you’re especially proud of right now?
A: "As the oldest rape crisis center in the country the DC Rape Crisis Center, along with one of our long standing partners, was able to end child marriage in DC."
Q: Are there any initiatives, events, or areas of focus you’d like folks to know about?
A: "The DC Rape Crisis Center is seeing a sharp increase in
requests for basic needs—clothing, food gift cards, and Uber gift cards—critical supports that help ensure survivors can safely access hospitals and homeless shelters."
Q: What does support from the community look like for you at this moment?
A: "Staying engaged with us through the following:
-Investing in our work atwww.dcrcc.org
-Following us on instagram at@officialdcrapecrisiscenter
-Signing up to volunteer with our 24/7 hotline at dcrcc@dcrcc.org"
Q: What does being part of the DC community mean to you?
A:
"Being part of the DC community means we have each other’s backs and move in lockstep to move our region forward and live out DC values."
Q: What’s something you wish more people understood about your work?
A: "The DC Rape Crisis Center not only supports survivors of sexual assault, but also advances community engagement and prevention initiatives, working alongside corporations, businesses, and nonprofit organizations to strengthen their capacity to effectively respond to sexual violence."
Q: On a lighter note - where's your favorite local spot to grab a bite or take a break in DC right now?
A: "Ben's Chili Bowl!
The DC Rape Crisis Center has been showing up for our community for more than 50 years, offering support, advocacy, and care when it’s needed most. Their work is essential, and right now, the need is growing.
If you’re able to support, there are a few simple ways to get involved—from donating, to following along, to volunteering your time. Every bit of support helps ensure survivors in DC have access to the care and resources they deserve.
To learn more, visit
www.dcrcc.org
Do
you have a local organization or initiative we should know about? We’re always looking to highlight the people and work shaping our community. Reach out at
nestletter@nest-dc.com—we’d love to hear from you!
