The only local organization that offers 24-hour support to survivors of domestic violence was recognized by the Department of Justice today.
DC Safe was one of ten organizations to receive the National Crime Victims’ Service Award at a ceremony held at the Justice Department.
“It’s such a tremendous honor to be recognized for the work that we do,” DC SAFE executive director Natalia Otero said. “Immediate access to shelter is the most critical safety need faced by domestic violence survivors and is the most effective way to protect them from reassault. The first summer that SAFE Space was in operation was the first summer in 10 years that there was no wait list for [Crime Victims’ Compensation Program] shelter in D.C., which tells you how great the need is. We’re so grateful that [the Office of Justice Programs] and [Office for Victims of Crime] have recognized us with this award.”
DC Safe launched in 2011 “to fill a critical gap in the local shelter community,” Otero said, and has since provided immediate shelter and vital services to 423 adults and 604 children. The organization’s launch was supported by the D.C. Superior Court’s Crime Victims’ Compensation Program, which since 1997 has provided funds to “victims of violent crime and their families with crime-related expenses such as funeral and burial costs, medical and mental health costs, lost wages, loss of support and services, clean up of a crime scene and, for victims of domestic violence, the cost of temporary shelter.”
The organization now offers on-call and court advocacy, emergency services, crisis shelter, and more to thousands of people.
“Through their courage and critical contributions to assist and empower victims, these individuals and organizations have given hope to countless Americans victimized by crime — even under the most difficult circumstances,” Attorney General Eric Holder said in a statement. “I am proud to recognize these extraordinary advocates by celebrating their achievements and assure them that the Department of Justice is more determined than ever to help ensure their continued success.”
Other recipient’s of this year’s award include the U.S. Air Force Special Victims’ Counsel Program and DOJ trial attorney Mi Yung C. Park, who secure “financial restitution for exploited children and their right to be heard at sentencing.”
