The primary mission of the DC Anti-Violence Project (DCAVP) is to work to reduce violence against LGBTQIA+ individuals (and those perceived as LGBTQIA+) through counseling, community outreach, education, and monitoring cases to ensure that the rights and dignity of LGBTQIA+ victims are respected and protected. DCAVP also seeks to assist victims of anti-LGBTQIA+ violence by advocating on their behalf, encouraging reporting, and providing a community of support.
The DCAVP works in active partnership with other trauma-informed survivor advocacy agencies in DC, including the LGBT Special Unit of the MPD and the US Office of the Attorney General as well as concerned community members, as seen among the video panelists above, and LGBTQIA+ survivors of violence and trauma, to strengthen the comprehensive response to anti-LGBTQIA+ violence and trauma in the DMV area.
The DCAVP was formerly known as GLOV (Gays and Lesbians Opposing Violence), starting as a group of activists in the 1990s who formed a task force in 2008 in response to a series of hate crimes. GLOV was led by volunteers until 2017, when it became the DC Anti-Violence Project and received a DC government grant. A Social Worker/Advocate was hired who served in part as a co-coordinator for meetings and events of the continuing anti-violence activist community. In 2021, the OVSJG grant expanded to support two clinicians, and in 2023 was expanded to support a dedicated caseworker/advocate.
* DCAVP services are made possible under Grant #2024-MDCC-01, 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 these services are those of the contributors and do not necessarily represent the official position or policies of the Executive Office of the Mayor.
Monthly Meetings
The DCAVP meets monthly via Zoom on the 4th Thursdays, 7pm (except in Nov and Dec, when we meet one week earlier due to holidays). A summer break in meetings takes place during July and August. If you are interested in attending, please email us at counseling@thedccenter.org or supportdesk@thedccenter.org for more information.
Counseling — individual and group services
DC Anti-Violence Project Google Group
Donate to DC Anti-Violence Project
Who are we?
- The DC Anti-Violence Project is a grassroots, volunteer-led organization dedicated to the eradication of violence against the LGBTQ+ community.
- We are committed to acting locally and centering the voices, visions, and priorities of those most impacted and at-risk for violence in our work.
- Recognizing that violence is physical, institutional, cultural, and systemic – and that oppression is a form of violence – DCAVP seeks to comprehensively address all forms of violence against the LGBTQIA+ community.
- We want to build a world free from violence against our community and beyond, engaging creatively with solutions through advocacy, community organizing, and survivor support.
- Violence occurs against our community in DC every day. As a community-led organization, we seek to build connections within our local ecosystem, working collaboratively for local change and transformative justice.
- We recognize that justice looks different for everyone. In cases of interpersonal harm, we value and respect what justice means to survivors – whether or not that involves law enforcement and the criminal legal system. At the community level we seek to shift away from criminalization towards community accountability, primary prevention, and restorative justice.
- Some specific issues we have activated against with events, impact statements, media presence and policy advocacy are Violence Against Trans Women, Sex Work Decriminalization, Street Harassment, Hate Crimes, Black Lives Matter, Rape Culture, Self Defense.
- Anyone is welcome to join the DCAVP and bring your ideas and energy for activist activities.
Recent DCAVP Posts
Meet the Staff: Jocelyn
Case Management & Advocacy Specialist Position Available
We Are Moving!!! Read Our Press Release About Our New LGBTQ+ Community Center
DCAVP Events
DC Anti-Violence Project Open Meeting – Via Zoom
DC Anti-Violence Project Open Meeting – Via Zoom
DC Anti-Violence Project Open Meeting – Via Zoom
DC Anti-Violence Project Open Meeting – Via Zoom
DC Anti-Violence Project Open Meeting – Via Zoom