In Fall, 2022, American University students compiled a list of resources which offer supports to survivors of sexual harassment or violence. The students have extensive experience in survivor advocacy and have worked with the National Resources listed below. They have provided referrals to the local resources and are familiar with the services offered. This list is not intended to be comprehensive, but offers vetted places to find support, care, and treatment.
For immediate assistance, please call the DC Rape Crisis Center hotline: (202) 333-7273 or the RAINN hotline: (800) 656-4673.
For guidance on AU options, schedule a confidential meeting with AU's Victim Advocacy Services: https://www.american.edu/ocl/counseling/victim-advocacy.cfm.
Expectations of service providers and advocates include the following best practices regard language and ethics:
Protect survivor anonymity above all else
Use survivor centric language
When in doubt, ask. There are advocates who are happy to help.
Be proactive about addressing harm in your own organization. Create plans now for procedures if someone is accused of sexual violence. Address ways your organization has perpetuated cultures of sexual violence.
CONFIDENTIAL! These resources will NOT contact Title IX or other entities on your behalf to make a report if they learn that you have been a survivor of sexual violence.
NOT CONFIDENTIAL! These resources WILL contact Title IX or other entities on your behalf to make a report if they learn that you have been a survivor of sexual violence. (A report does NOT mean you have to open an investigation.)
Office of Equity and Title IX for formal reports and opening investigations, or for informal resolutions such as no-contact orders
Center for Advocacy and Student Equity (CASE) - advocacy and support for students by other students trained in Title IX and sexual violence policy
You do NOT need to file a Title IX or police report to access these free services, they are available to ALL survivors!
DC Rape Crisis Center provides counseling, a crisis hotline, and referrals to other services (you can also access more DC resources on their referral guide)
DC Victim Hotline connects survivors with free, all-encompassing (medical, counseling, advocacy, etc.) services in the DC area
DC Forensic Nurse Examiner offers free, confidential treatment for medical needs related to sexual assault
DC Survivors and Advocates for Empowerment for survivors of domestic violence
Network for Victim Resources DC provides free legal support for survivors
UASK DC - all-in-one resource that guides college students through responding to sexual violence
As a survivor or an ally, use your voice to shape sexual violence prevention and support survivors on campus and beyond:
Know Your IX is a student-run organization that has resources on Title IX and your rights,
End Rape on Campus provides direct survivor support and sexual violence prevention.
Every Voice Coalition a network of state- or district-level survivor support and prevention activities to pass survivor-centered state laws addressing campus sexual violence.
National Women’s Law Center provides legal help for student survivors.