In their Spread Love DC Guide, the DC Coalition Against Domestic Violence stated “we are all impacted by domestic violence, and it’s the responsibility of everyone in our community to promote safety, respect and accountability.” With an average of nearly 20 people per minute in the United States experiencing physical abuse at the hands of an intimate partner, we strongly agree.
Sex educators are in a unique position to combat domestic violence. In conversations about pleasure, we must emphasize ongoing consent, communication, boundaries and healthy relationships. When we educate others we must offer information that is sensitive and inclusive of survivors. Every chance we get, we must speak out against domestic violence and sexual assault.
In commemoration of Domestic Violence Awareness Month, survivors, service providers, advocates and allies across the nation are participating in activities to raise awareness. Below is a list of resources. Keep in mind that it is by no means comprehensive.
If you cannot find the resources you need here, or you are in crisis, please call the 24-hour National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or TTY 1-800-787-3224.
If you are in an emergency situation, call 911 immediately.
National
ChildHelp
4350 E. Camelback Road, Bldg F250
Phoenix, Arizona 85018
Phone: 480-922-8212
National Child Abuse Helpline: 1-800-422-4453
Runs the National Child Abuse Helpline, which can be reached 24/7 at 1-800-422-4453. They talk to people of all ages who have experienced parental abuse. Their website also offers downloadable resources and a directory of their partner organizations.
National Domestic Violence Hotline
PO Box 161810
Austin, Texas 78716
Phone: 512-453-8117
Hotline: 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or TTY 1-800-787-3224
Runs the National Domestic Violence Hotline. Offers a directory of state coalitions and national, LGBT specific and teen specific organizations for victims and survivors. They also offer other resources such as statistics, downloadable materials and PSAs.
The Network/La Red
PO Box 6011
Boston, Massachusetts 02114
Phone: 617-695-0877
Hotline (Voice): 617-742-4911
Hotline (TTY): 617-227-4911
A survivor-led, social justice organization that works to end partner abuse in lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, BDSM, polyamorous, and queer communities. Offers emotional support, information, and safety planning through national 24-hour hotline.
National Network to End Domestic Violence
1400 16th St NW, Suite 330
Washington, DC 20036
Phone: 202-543-5566
Cross-sector collaborations and corporate partnerships allows them to support victims of domestic violence who are escaping abusive relationships. Website offers fact sheets, steps of identifying abuse, safety planning tips and more.
Metropolitan Area
Ayuda, Inc.: Immigration
6925B Willow Street NW
Washington, DC 20012
D.C./Maryland Office: 202-387-4848
Virginia Office: 703-444-7009
http://ayuda.com
Provides assistance with temporary and civil protection orders, divorce, child custody, child support and social services. Provides legal representation in deportation, political asylum, and naturalization. Provides assistance with self-petition for battered immigrant women. Languages include Spanish, French, and Polish. There is a $15 fee. They’re open Monday through Friday from 9:00AM to 5:00PM. Intake Clinic accepts 30 people Monday and Thursday at 9:00AM, first come first serve.
District of Columbia
DC Coalition Against Domestic
5 Thomas Circle, NW
Washington, DC 20005
202-299-1181
Email: [email protected]
The federally-recognized statewide coalition of domestic violence programs, organizations and individuals working towards eliminating domestic violence in Washington, D.C. Their resource directory offers a list of emergency and transitional resources for victims of domestic violence. You can access the directory here.
Maryland
Maryland Network Against Domestic Violence
4601 Presidents Dr.Ste. 370
Lanham, Maryland 20706
Phone: 301-429-3601
Statewide Helpline: 1-800-MD-HELPS (1-800-634-3577)
Email: [email protected]
http://mnadv.org/
A coalition of victim service providers, allied professionals, and concerned individuals working to reduce intimate partner and family violence in Maryland. Operates statewide helpline. Provides education, training, resources, and advocacy. Website lists housing, legal, counseling and advocacy resources for survivors, their family and friends, service providers and abusers. Access their resource directory here.
Virginia
The Virginia Sexual and Domestic Violence Action Alliance
5008 Monument Avenue, Suite A
Richmond, Virginia 23230
Phone: 804-377-0335
Family Violence & Sexual Assault Hotline: Call 1-800-838-8238 or text 804-793-9999
LGBTQ Partner Abuse & Sexual Assault Helpline: Call 1-866-356-6998 or text 804-793-9999
Email: [email protected]
http://www.vsdvalliance.org
Advocacy, membership organization. Runs statewide Virginia Family Violence & Sexual Assault Hotline and the LGBTQ Partner Abuse and Sexual Assault Helpline.
Offers resources in Spanish and English for survivors, their friends and providers.
Apps
Aspire News
A free application which contains summaries of top stories in world, sports, and entertainment news. Additionally, if someone you know is in an abusive relationship—or if that someone is you—the Help Section of the application allows users to covertly research local resources. It is not a replacement for 911 or other emergency services.
Additional Resources
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