Safe Shores is a nonprofit organization serving children and families affected by abuse in D.C. Children who are brought to the organization by the police department or Child and Family Services typically have experienced physical abuse, sexual abuse or witnessed violence. Many times they have seen someone assaulted or even murdered.
Children receive services at the organization from the age they can talk up until they are 18. But developmentally delayed adults that function on the level of a child can also receive services.
“The effects of abuse on children can be lifelong. That’s why therapy is so important — because there can be long lasting feelings of shame and guilt,” said Jada Irwin, senior communications associate for Safe Shores. “People act out, they abuse substances and they become promiscuous or even suicidal. Any of those issues can affect your ability to earn a living.”
What makes Safe Shores distinctive is that it coordinates a multidisciplinary team, which is responsible for responding to allegations of abuse. The team includes the Metropolitan Police Department, Child and Family Services, the Office of the Attorney General, the United States Attorney’s Office and Children’s National Medical Center. All of the team member agencies have a suite in Safe Shore’s office building, which makes it easier to assist the children and families.
All services provided through Safe Shore’s three programs — victim services, forensic services and clinical services — are free of charge. The organization has helped more than 13,000 children since its founding in 1994.
“We want people to know that we are here and that we’re an open resource,” Irwin said. “The child abuse issue is real and that every person has a part to play in helping to fight that fight.”
