At DC SAFE, survivors of domestic violence find a comprehensive, coordinated network of care – one that empowers them to achieve safety, stability, and freedom from fear. Through 24/7 bilingual services, survivors access critical information and referrals, as well as immediate direct support, such as lock changes, emergency transportation, and shelter placement. Within hours of a violent incident, families can move into apartment-style units, thanks to SAFE Space, a 24-hour emergency housing program. Advocates work closely with each client, helping them navigate next steps – filing civil protection orders, securing long-term housing, connecting with mental health care, and more. And for those at highest risk for re-assault or homicide, DC SAFE collaborates with numerous city agencies to ensure expedited support. Last year, more than 10,000 survivors accessed these life-saving services. You can make sure safety is always an option.
Headquarters: DC-Ward 4
Where They Operate: DC-Citywide
Age Groups Served: All
Population(s) Served: Women/Girls
- Calls on the Response Line:
18,562, including 12,780 from March 1 to September 30. - Clients in crisis assisted:
7,284, including 4,877 (67%) during COVID-19 (March 1-September 30). - Emergency hotel placements:
369 (261 of which were made during COVID-19). This amounts to $68,141 in non-reimbursable funding being spent. - High Risk clients who received expedited services through our Lethality Assessment Project:
1111 - Emergency services provided:
1050 emergency taxis/Uber rides; 235 emergency lock changes
Awards & Recognition
In October 2017, Our Founder and Executive Director, Ana Natalia Otero was recognized by the Center for Nonprofit Advancement as an EXCEL Award recipient for her excellence in nonprofit leadership, and in 2018, she was selected for the highly selective Rubinger Fellowship through Local Initiatives Support Corporation.
In 2018, we received a community policing award from the Metropolitan Police Department recognizing our partnership in building the Domestic Violence Liaison Volunteer Program.
Natalia was named a recipient of the Washington Business Journal’s 40 Under 40 2020 Award.
In 2017, we acquired a property that will serve as the site for a brand new and permanent facility for SAFE Space. In August 2020, the Council of the District of Columbia awarded a $3M grant towards the project that has helped DC SAFE reach the final stage of the financing package for the building. Construction is set to begin in early 2021.
Press
- Law 360: "Remote Court Procedures Can Help Domestic Abuse Victims"
Sun Oct 18 2020, Law 360
- "Are domestic violence survivors risking their lives when they register to vote?"
Tue Sep 29 2020, WUSA 9
- "The Unseen Pandemic: Domestic Violence"
Thu Aug 13 2020, Washington City Paper
- "Coronavirus lockdowns 'open the door for abusers to come back in'"
Mon May 4 2020, Al-Jazeera
Budget (FY2023)
- The current budget for DC SAFE is: $3 million or higher
- $1 million to $3 million
- $500k to $1 million
- Less than $500k
Catalogue charities range in size from $100,000 to
About Spur Local
Each year 150+ community advocates review applicants on the basis of governance, equity, and impact. Each featured nonprofit has been successfully site visited and its financials given the thumbs up. Spur Local charges no fees and raises funds separately to support its work. Since 2003, it has raised over $57 million for nonprofits across the Greater Washington region.
Spur Local looks to friends like you to keep our services independent and entirely free of charge. Consider a small contribution to Spur Local to cap off your gift and help the causes you care about get the full support they deserve!