Bridget Reed Morawski
WASHINGTON — (WMAL) A new hotline in the District is aiming to streamline the process for crime victims to get assistance.
The phone line had a soft opening last October, and since then more than 125 District residents have been assisted. Victims of any crime can call to access services and receive referrals for additional support.
“Victims often experience multiple types of victimization and often have varied needs,” said Michelle M. Garcia, Director of DC’s Office of Victim Services and Justice Grants. “While theres a really robust and skilled community of victim’s service providers in the District, it still can be challenging for victims to try to navigate to get those various needs met.”
Prior to the hotline, says Garcia, victims would need to tell their story repeatedly to various agencies to get the information or service that they needed. Now, the crime victim hotline reduces the effort needed to access assistance.
Since the hotline was created last October, phone operators have assisted more than 125 callers who were victims of crimes such as domestic violence, sexual assault, and elder abuse. The common needs of these callers have ranged from emotional support to crime victim’s compensation and housing.
while the hotline is for crime victims, it is not a substitute for emergency services, says Garcia.
“If anyone is in immineent threat of harm or danger, we do strongly suggest that victims call 911,” said Garcia.
The number for the hotline is 1-844-4HELPDC, or 1-844-443-5732.
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