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, 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 2009-2010
24-Hour Crisis Line: 3,250 crisis calls were received; 13,454 crisis line volunteer hours

Trained volunteer advocates are available for victims of domestic and sexual violence 24-hours a day. Of all the victim-related calls answered, 82% were DV and 18% were SA related. The advocates provide emotional support, safety planning, information and referrals. We began the Spanish crisis line service and received 173 calls in the last half of the year.

Temporary Emergency Shelter: 261 women and children sheltered (161 women and 100 children); 194 were turned away for lack of space

The shelter offers 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, leagal assistance, housing and employment needs. Spanish-speaking staff and volunteers are available.

Transitional Housing

Allows families the additional time, support and tools they need to truly become violence-free. There are 8 housing units for up to 20 persons. Two families successfully graduated and are now living violence-free.

Non-Residential Services: 168 sexual assault victims and 272 domestic violence victims (unduplicated numbers)

Not all victims require or request residential services. Many avail themselves of other services such as safety planning, crisis intervention, information and referrals, support groups, legal advocacy, assistance with filing for victim compensation, advocacy, etc.

Hospital Accompaniment: 144 sexual assault and 54 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: 1,041 criminial and civil court cases

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

Survivor's Support Groups: 119 involved in domestic violence group participants; 19 in 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: 211 presentations to 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.

Rape Prevention Education

The goal of this project is to impact the attitude, beliefs and behaviors that lead to sexual violence through programs, workshops and trainings to help reduce the incidents of sexual violence in our community. A community assessment revealed that 58% of respondents experienced inappropriate sexual violence among family members, friends, co-workers, and peers.

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.