[telephone rings]
WOMAN: DC SAFE. This is Katy. How can I help you?
NATALIA OTERO: DC SAFE is a crisis intervention agency for victims of domestic violence. We try to figure out what can be done for the victim within the first 24 hours. And that can include shelter, transportation, financial support.
BAYLIS BEARD MOLINA: Because we are often the entry point, we work with first responders, within the courts, with the police department, and with emergency rooms in the city, where survivors are going to disclose and look for help.
WOMAN: That's our emergency response line, so you can call us 24 hours a day...
NATALIA OTERO: DC SAFE is a unique organization because we partner with governmental as well as non-governmental agencies.
JENNIFER WESBERRY: We have partner agencies like the Metropolitan Police Department, like Child and Family Services, that are going out into the community, and they're making referrals to us.
NATALIA OTERO: Within an hour of a violent incident, we can offer our clients tangible services as well as expedited services through other city agencies.
ANDREA SLEDD: We are able to receive a call from a police officer on the scene of a crime and then place somebody within a couple hours into our shelter.
JENNIFER WESBERRY: They don't have to go through the normal hoops–- waiting in line or waiting eight hours to receive counseling.
ANDREA SLEDD: In shelter here at SAFE Space, our clients are able to meet all of their basic needs and feel safe while they're evaluating what they want their next step to be.
BAYLIS BEARD MOLINA: By our willingness to listen to what survivors are saying, DC SAFE has been able to put in place things like La Linea de ACCION, and the ability to have a survivor meeting face-to-face with an advocate.
ANDREA SLEDD: We don't need to be all things to all clients because we have so many strong partners in the community.
NATALIA OTERO: Creating a continuum of services allows victims to make their own decisions and to be able to leave an abusive relationship more quickly.
ANDREA SLEDD: My hope is when somebody leaves, I don't--I don't hear from them again. [laughs] But if they need to reach out for services, we are always here for them.
