Metro Weekly

GLOV changes name to DC Anti-Violence Project

Anti-violence organization adopts more inclusive name and expanded focus

Police crime tape - Photo: JD Uy
Police crime tape – Photo: JD Uy

Gays and Lesbians Opposing Violence (GLOV) has changed its name to the more inclusive DC Anti-Violence Project (DC AVP), according to an announcement from the program’s host, The DC Center for the LGBT Community.

In a blog post on The DC Center website, staffers for the LGBT community center wrote that the newly-minted DC AVP signaled a wider approach to addressing anti-LGBT hate violence in D.C. Specifically, the program, which helps to combat hate crimes and violence throughout the city, will focus on addressing the needs of victims, particularly those of color and who are transgender or gender-nonconforming.

“Like GLOV, DC AVP will continue to be a volunteer-led effort to address violence in the local LGBT community,” says Brant Miller of The DC Center, which is overseeing DC AVP. “By changing our name, we’ve made it clear that we intend to focus on all of our community members who face violence, especially people of color and transgender people. We also recognize other forms of violence disproportionately impact LGBT people, such as domestic and intimate partner violence, sexual assault and police misconduct.”

Although GLOV’s previous leadership stepped down earlier this year at the end of their terms, much of the mission of the renamed organization will remain the same. DC AVP will continue to collaborate with other groups like Rainbow Response Coalition and be a member of D.C.’s Bias Crimes Task Force and the National Coalition of Anti-Violence Programs.

DC AVP will continue to operate the 24-hour Violence Response Hotline, which is a joint venture with HIPS, Inc., that steers victims of violence to proper resources. Next year, DC AVP is expected to begin providing counseling services and support groups for survivors of violent crimes.

The DC Anti-Violence Project will hold a holiday party at Number 9, 1435 P St. NW, on Dec. 3 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Attendees will be able to find our more information and meet the current volunteers and DC Center staff members behind DC AVP. A donation of $10 is suggested at the door, but is not mandatory. 

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