DC SAFE is the District's only 24/7 crisis intervention agency for domestic violence, serving more than 12,000 survivors and their families each year. Through immediate support, emergency shelter, and comprehensive advocacy, DC SAFE helps survivors understand their options and connect with the resources they need. Advocates work alongside each survivor to meet individual needs, from emergency transportation and lock changes to civil protection orders, long-term housing, and safety planning. Through SAFE Space, an apartment-style crisis shelter, families can move into safe, emergency housing within hours of a violent incident. DC SAFE also partners with community organizations and city agencies to strengthen systems of response and expedite support for survivors at the highest risk of serious harm.

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.

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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

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