This website was produced by Give an Hour, under 2019-PGAHDC-0001, awarded by the Office of Victim Services and Justice Grants, Executive Office of the Mayor, District of Columbia. The opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this website are those of the contributors and do not necessarily represent the official position or policies of the Executive Office of the Mayor.
Supporting Victims of Interpersonal Violence
Interpersonal violence is a pervasive public health issue impacting individuals, families and entire communities and exposure to it increases the risk of emotional, behavioral and physical health problems. The World Health Organization’s Global Health estimates that approximately 1.4 million people died in 2011 as a result of violence. Of those deaths, 35.3%, or 504,587, were due to interpersonal violence.
Give an Hour provides services for those impacted by this type of violence, which is defined as the intentional use of physical force or power against a person or group of people by an individual or small group of individuals. The people involved do not need to be in an intimate relationship and the violent act can be physical, sexual or psychological.
Enhancing the District’s Response to Trauma (EDRT)
The District of Columbia Office of Victim Services and Justice Grants partners with Give an Hour to support individuals who have been affected by interpersonal violence.
Project Overview
This project provides access to free and confidential trauma-informed mental health services to individuals in the District of Columbia and their loved ones who are victims of crime, involved in the justice system, or youth at risk of truancy or juvenile delinquency. Additionally, licensed mental health professionals who participate in this program have access to high-quality, trauma-specific, educational opportunities.
Crisis Resources
Use these resources for immediate help in the District.
Resources
FAQ’s
Do I need to fill out an application?
No. But, we do require some information to get started searching for a licensed mental health professional for you to work with. Please fill out this FORM.
The provider stopped communicating what should I do?
Please let us know right away. Please contact EDRT@giveanhour.org.
Is this just one free hour of counseling?
No, our providers donate one hour per week for at least one year or as long as the provider and client agree, and it continues to be a good fit.
If things don’t work out with the first provider I contact, can I try another provider?
Yes! We know that it can sometimes take a few tries to find the right fit for counseling. If the first provider you are connected to is not the right fit, please contact EDRT@giveanhour.org for assistance in finding another provider.
How much does it cost?
It’s absolutely free! This great group of licensed mental health professionals offers their services free of charge to those who are suffering emotionally and do not have access to trauma-informed mental health care.
I have insurance. Can I still use Give an Hour?
Yes, you can! If you have access to health insurance that covers mental health care and would like to use it, please let us know. However, many individuals who use Give an Hour services have insurance but choose not to use it for a variety of reasons. If a provider asks you to use your insurance for Give an Hour services, please let us know right away at EDRT@giveanhour.org.
