In the field of social service, women have been at the forefront of driving change and advocating for justice, particularly in addressing issues of gender-based violence. One such exemplary leader is Dr. Indira Henard, the Executive Director at DC Rape Crisis Center. With a wealth of expertise in gender-based violence, Indira’s approach is rooted in an anti-oppression, feminist theory, and survivor-centered model.
Dr. Henard’s extensive direct service experience across various gender-based violence programs has not only informed her policy analysis but has also propelled her into coordinating public policy initiatives, organizing survivor-led advocacy spaces, and educating both local and international communities on civic participation within the violence against women movement.
Dr. Henard’s academic credentials include a Master of Social Work degree from the National Catholic School of Social Service at Catholic University of America. She received her Doctorate of Social Work degree from The University of Southern California. Additionally, she has deep ties within the policy sector, having served as a Ralph Bunche Institute Fellow at Duke University, a Congressional Truman Fellow on Capitol Hill, and a Charles Hamilton Houston Fellow at Georgetown Law Center. Prior to her tenure at the DC Rape Crisis Center, Dr. Henard served as a Senate Aide for Senator Barack Obama on Capitol Hill and as a Special Assistant on his Presidential Campaign. Her remarkable contributions have been recognized with the prestigious national “Victim Impact Award” from the Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences.
As the Executive Director of the DC Rape Crisis Center, Dr. Henard oversees the center’s short and long-term strategy, operational functions, relationship cultivation, and strategic partnerships, all while fundraising to ensure the center’s long-term sustainability. In essence, she ensures that the center continues to serve survivors with compassion and dignity, keeping the trains moving on time in the pursuit of justice and healing.
50 Years of Service at the DC Rape Crisis Center
The DC Rape Crisis Center stands as a beacon of hope and support, being the oldest rape crisis center in the country and the sole center in Washington, DC with a local, national, and international presence in the global sexual assault movement. Founded in 1972, the center has dedicated over 50 years to providing services to survivors of sexual assault, particularly those who are the most vulnerable and marginalized in the community and beyond.
Choosing Passion Over Politics
Dr. Henard’s passion lies in policy and politics. Initially, her career path was set in politics, having moved to Washington, DC over twenty years ago to pursue this ambition. She began her journey working for then-Senator Barack Obama, splitting her time between his Capitol Hill Senate Office and his first Presidential campaign. However, during this time, she also started volunteering at the DC Rape Crisis Center. When President Obama won, she made a pivotal decision to follow her heart. Instead of taking the expected route down Pennsylvania Ave, she took a detour, choosing to focus on gender-based violence work. It was crucial for her to align with her calling rather than societal expectations.
Regardless of whether she’s in the workplace or outside of it, Dr. Henard identifies as an advocate, healer, social worker, and drum major for gender justice. She prioritizes creating a culture of care that centers the humanity of her team, recognizing that the work they do is deeply emotional. Dr. Henard emphasizes leading and serving with her heart, embodying her faith and operating within a community and sisterhood framework.
The vision of the DC Rape Crisis Center, to which Dr. Henard is deeply connected, is to create a world free from sexual violence. Dr. Henard asserts, “The DC Rape Crisis Center believes that in order to have effective policy and advocacy there must be direct response to racism and oppression.”
Thriving in Leadership
Dr. Henard highlights the significant opportunities available for female leaders to thrive and take on leadership roles within the organization. With over 98% female representation, the DC Rape Crisis Center has established multiple pathways to support the growth and advancement of women in leadership positions.
Crisis Response and Sustainability
The most fulfilling aspect of Dr. Henard’s daily routine is the opportunity to serve survivors of sexual assault. Being able to provide support and assistance to those in need brings her immense joy and satisfaction. Furthermore, she values being part of a community that is dedicated to ending sexual violence, where individuals come together every day to work towards this common goal.
At the DC Rape Crisis Center, there is an “all hands-on deck” approach to operations. It is recognized that during crisis situations, it’s crucial to acknowledge and address the urgency of the situation. However, the organization also believes that just because they deal with crisis situations, it doesn’t mean they have to operate in crisis mode all the time. They strive to maintain a balanced approach, ensuring that they are prepared to respond effectively to crises while also prioritizing sustainability and well-being in their day-to-day operations.
Global Conversations on Sexual Violence
According to Dr. Henard, the DC Rape Crisis Center played a pivotal role in advocating for the Sexual Assault Victim’s Right’s Amendment Act (SAVRAA). As a result of this legislation, every survivor of sexual assault in the District of Columbia now has the right to an advocate. Advocates are available 24/7 and can be dispatched to any location within the district, including a survivor’s home.
The primary challenges facing rape crisis centers today, as highlighted by Dr. Henard, revolve around funding and shifts in philanthropic support. These challenges can be addressed by implementing multi-year funding strategies and engaging in trust-based philanthropy. It’s crucial to recognize that sexual assault is not just a business issue but an issue that impacts everyone, and therefore, everyone should be invested in addressing it.
Dr. Henard views the current moment as a watershed for addressing sexual violence. She emphasizes the global conversation surrounding sexual violence as requiring a shift in perspective and action. It’s evident that sexual violence affects individuals from all walks of life, and addressing it requires collective effort.
For future, Dr. Henard hopes that history will remember their movement as bold, courageous, and inclusive. She envisions a world where survivors of sexual violence are at the forefront, guiding the direction of the movement. As the oldest rape crisis center, the DC Rape Crisis Center is committed to leading the charge and working within the community to address racism and oppression at both the micro and macro levels.
