For over 45 years, MSP has been an innovator in changing lives by providing DC’s first hotline and one of the first domestic violence shelters. MSP also offered the first Batterer Intervention group. As one of DC’s oldest domestic violence shelters, we have served as a cornerstone of the District’s response to this pressing public health issue since 1979, and our impact on DC’s community continues to grow.
MSP is unique in offering a full continuum of care from emergency housing through transitional-to-permanent housing and ultimately into permanent, stable housing. Our experienced team of case managers and residential counselors provides as-needed clinical counseling, case management, and comprehensive services to break down barriers for survivors on their journey toward stability and independence. In addition, MSP provides training, case consultation, and advocacy to engage and educate communities in the prevention of violence and abuse.
Our goal is to end the cycle of domestic violence, and empower everyone to build healthy lives and relationships.
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Our History
2024
2024
In 2024, we commemorated the 45th Anniversary of MSP at the Decatur House! Our initiatives have expanded significantly, benefiting more than 500 women and children annually. Our offerings encompass two emergency housing sites, transitional housing, including rental payments for up to two years, emergency funds for families, and a wide range of comprehensive support services, including workforce development, financial empowerment, resilient futures, and additional assistance.
2023
2023
In January 2023, we introduced the initial emergency cash transfer initiative for domestic violence survivors. This program assisted 45 families in our RISE Transitional Housing program by providing them with unrestricted monthly payments for a period of two years.
2020s
2020s
MSP inaugurated Sanctuary II, the second emergency shelter for domestic violence survivors, and enhanced its transitional housing program through RISE Plus. Over a span of two years, MSP offered rental assistance and case management to clients, benefiting an extra 30 individuals each year.
2018
2018
After 42 years, MSP transferred its domestic violence hotline to the DC Victim Hotline to enhance service efficiency. Additionally, as part of the Latino Outreach Program, MSP established the first fully integrated Spanish website among domestic violence organizations in D.C.
Mid 2000s
Mid 2000s
Continued raising community awareness through the Clothesline Project.
“The underlying message of the clothesline,” says Suzanne Marcus, coordinator of the project, “is to break the silence surrounding the issue of domestic violence. We are standing on the wall, wailing, amid the hush. We are hanging society’s dirty laundry in public, taking abuse out of the privacy of the bedroom, the family, and the morgue.”
2010 – 2012
2010 – 2012
In 2012, MSP initiated the construction of Sanctuary Plus, a refurbished 45-bed emergency shelter. Additionally, during the same year, RISE (Reaching Independence through Survivor Empowerment) was introduced. This program supports 30 families annually through a unique transitional-to-permanent housing initiative.
2000s
2000
MSP partnered with the Crime Victim Compensation Program to introduce the Emergency Services Center. This initiative offered therapeutic counseling and case management services to women and children referred through the court system.
1999
1999
The Women’s Legal Defense Fund (WLDF) launched its Taskforce on Abused Women together with the Junior League of Washington, starting the first domestic violence hotline for survivors of domestic violence.
WLDF opened one of D.C.’s first domestic violence shelters, which had 15 beds.
1990 – 1998
1990 – 1998
MSP partnered with Whitman-Walker Clinic to establish a support group for lesbian survivors of domestic violence, marking the inception of the first LGBTQ+ friendly shelter in D.C.
By 1998, MSP introduced SOS, a counseling program that provided complementary support to survivors as they navigated their path to recovery.
Additionally, by 1994, MSP had expanded into a 24-bed residential shelter with a transitional housing program consisting of six apartments, as well as a hotline service.
1980 – 1990
1980 – 1990
MSP partnered with Whitman-Walker Clinic to establish a support group for lesbian survivors of domestic violence, marking the inception of the first LGBTQ+ friendly shelter in D.C.
By 1998, MSP introduced SOS, a counseling program that provided complementary support to survivors as they navigated their path to recovery.
Additionally, by 1994, MSP had expanded into a 24-bed residential shelter with a transitional housing program consisting of six apartments, as well as a hotline service.
1976 – 1980
1976 – 1980
Volunteers came together to identify a suitable building for what would become D.C.’s first domestic violence shelter. They worked tirelessly to prepare the space — donating time, energy, and resources alongside the Women’s Legal Defense Fund and Task Force staff.
The Women’s Legal Defense Fund (WLDF), in partnership with the Junior League of Washington, established the Task Force on Abused Women and launched D.C.’s first domestic violence hotline. WLDF also led the creation of one of the city’s first domestic violence shelters, providing 15 beds for survivors in need.
1976
1976
My Sister’s Place is Founded
On January 10, 1979, My Sister’s Place welcomed its first resident. While the shelter wasn’t full in its first few days, by the second week it had already reached capacity.