About Us

Durham Crisis Response Center (DCRC) is the oldest provider of comprehensive shelter and support services to survivors of domestic, sexual, and family violence and human trafficking in the Durham area. DCRC’s continuum of service includes a 24-hour help line, emergency shelter, safety planning, crisis intervention, information and referrals for job training, housing, and childcare, counseling referral and support groups, legal advocacy, assistance with filing for victim compensation, hospital accompaniment, and community education and outreach.

All of DCRC’s services are confidential, free, and offered in English and Spanish. DCRC also offers educational workshops and professional training for service providers, law enforcement, hospitals, faith-based organizations, schools, civic groups, and other community members.

DCRC helps those whose lives are torn apart by domestic, sexual, and family violence, and human trafficking. Our neighbors, friends, and family members have sought and received help from DCRC, and many of our employees and volunteers are also survivors.

DCRC is here to help, and we do this by offering a place that is safe, secure, and free from abuse. DCRC is a place where domestic, sexual, and family violence, and human trafficking survivors can find a safe haven, and with guidance and support, they can find their voice and the strength to rebuild their lives. DCRC is a refuge, a place of safety, hope, and new beginnings.

Our goal is always to be there when a victim is in need.

Who we Serve

We serve people of all backgrounds, including:

  • Adults over age 16

  • People of all genders and sexual orientations

  • Immigrants, refugees, and people with limited English proficiency

  • People with disabilities

  • Survivors with or without legal status

  • People in any type of relationship—including dating, married, separated, or formerly involved

  • Survivors experiencing homelessness, substance use, or mental health challenges

  • Survivors with criminal records

  • Those who have experienced abuse from family members, partners, caregivers, or others they know

You do not have to leave your relationship or press charges to get help. Whether the abuse happened recently or long ago, we’re here to support you—on your terms.

Our History

In 2001, the Durham Crisis Response Center: Domestic and Sexual Violence Services was formed through the merger of two long-standing community agencies that had served the Durham community for over twenty years: Rape Crisis of Durham (RCD) and the Orange-Durham Coalition for Battered Women.

DCRC is now the oldest agency in Durham dedicated to providing advocacy, shelter, and support services to survivors of domestic and sexual violence. Our ultimate goal is to ensure every victim is a survivor.

Our Financials

  • Our Mission

    The Durham Crisis Response Center works with the community to end domestic and sexual violence through advocacy, education, support, and prevention.

  • Our Vision

    A community where every person can live free from violence, with safety, dignity, and hope.

    A future where all survivors are believed, supported, and empowered to rebuild their lives free from violence.

  • Our Values

    Survivor-Centered: We believe survivors know what’s best for themselves. We listen, support, and follow their lead.

    Equity: We serve all survivors with respect and strive to reduce barriers caused by racism, poverty, language, disability, and more.

    Confidentiality: We protect each person’s privacy and build trust through honesty and care.

    Collaboration: We work with survivors, partners, and the community to create safer, more supportive systems.

    Empowerment: We help survivors rebuild on their own terms—stronger, safer, and with renewed hope.

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