Durham Crisis Response Center

24 Hour Crisis Line: (919) 403-6562 or Email the Crisis Line

About Us

For more than twenty years, the Durham Crisis Response Center has been the sole provider of comprehensive shelter and support services in the Durham area, providing counseling, legal advocacy, support groups, and shelter to survivors and their families in the aftermath of domestic or sexual violence. DCRC also offers prevention workshops and training to faith-based organizations, schools, the general public and professionals throughout the Triangle. Over the years, DCRC helped more than 20,000 women and children. Last year alone, 170 women and children found safety at the Durham Crisis Response Center shelter, and another 1100 learned they have an ally who can help them stop the violence.

Mission
The Durham Crisis Response Center works with the community to end domestic and sexual violence through advocacy, education, support and prevention.

History
Durham Crisis Response Center: Domestic and Sexual Violence Services is the result of the merger of two long-standing community agencies that together served the Durham community for over twenty years: Rape Crisis of Durham (RCD) and the Orange-Durham Coalition for Battered Women. In February 2001, the Boards of both agencies voted to create one comprehensive agency to provide domestic and sexual violence services. Planning for the merger began in 1999, and the Boards finalized the merger on October 15, 2001. Durham Crisis Response Center(DCRC) is now the only agency in Durham dedicated to providing advocacy, shelter and support services to victims of domestic and sexual violence. Our ultimate goal is to ensure every victim is a survivor.

Summary of Services
DCRC’s continuum of service includes a 24-hour, confidential crisis line for victims of domestic and sexual violence, short-term emergency shelter, hospital and court accompaniment, legal clinics with local attorneys, support groups, short-term individual counseling, and referrals for job training, housing, childcare and other community services--all direct services offered to the community free of charge. We also offer educational workshops and professional training for service providers, churches, schools, police, hospitals, civic groups and other community members. For more information, click services.

Highlights from FY 2008-2009
24-Hour Crisis Line: 3,665 crisis calls were received; 12,536 crisis line volunteer hours

Trained volunteer advocates are available for victims of domestic and sexual violence 24-hours a day. They provide emotional support, safety planning, information and referrals. A Spanish crisis worker is also available.

Temporary Emergency Shelter: 279 women and children sheltered; 88 were turned away for lack of space

The shelter offer women and children, fleeing violent and dangerous situations, a safe and supportive environment. The shelter is a place where they can recover from the effects of domestic or sexual violence. In the shelter clients are offered counseling, case management, assisstance with legal, housing and employment needs. Spanish-speaking staff and volunteers are available.

Hospital Accompaniment: 145 sexual assault and domestic violence survivors

Trained advocates accompany victims of domestic and sexual violence to local medical facilities for a physical exam, medical treatment and forensic evidence collection. Staff members are available to meet individually with clients to address on-going needs for emotional support, information and referrals to community mental healthcare providers.

Legal Advocacy: 407 criminial and civil court cases

Clients receive support throughout the criminal or civil justice process, from the intial police response to prosecution. Two legal advocates and volunteers provide court accompaniment, advocacy and assistance with protection orders.

Survivor's Support Groups: 122 domestic violence group participants; 25 sexual violence group participants

Support groups (English and Spanish) are provided for clients who are currently or have previously experienced domestic or sexual violence. This year support groups included: Adult Survivors of Child Sexual Abuse, Rape 101/Myths and Facts, Reducing Your Risk of Sexual Assault, Recognizing Signs and Symptoms of Childhood Sexual Abuse, Reducing Your Child's Risk for Sexual Abuse, Sexual Violence and Adult Survivors of Domestic Violence.

Community Education & Outreach: 3,500 Professionals & Community Members

Workshops about domestic and sexual violence, sexual harassment and date rape prevention are available for local community groups, churches, businesses and professional agencies; including local law enforcement, school system and healthcare personnel.

Bilingual Services

Bi-lingual staff & volunteers are avail to response 24-hours a day.

For more information about the agency, including recent 990s, please see our listing through GuideStar.

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