About
About the Military Rape Crisis Center
Since 2006, we have supported survivors of military sexual trauma with compassionate, trauma-informed services and resources.
Our mission
As pioneers in this field, our mission is to raise awareness, advocate for policy change, and create safe spaces for survivors to heal. Through advocacy, direct support, and community engagement, we are dedicated to preventing sexual violence, supporting survivors on their journey to healing, and ensuring that perpetrators are held accountable for their actions.
History
The Military Rape Crisis Center was founded in 2006 by Panayiota Bertzikis after witnessing firsthand how the United States Coast Guard mishandled sexual violence within its ranks. While still on active duty, Panayiota created the organization to support fellow Coast Guardsmen, as well as members of other military branches and veterans who had experienced military sexual trauma.
The organization quickly grew to become one of the largest anti-sexual violence organization in the world and remains the only anti-sexual violence organization operating across multiple countries. It operated offices in active war zones, including Iraq and Afghanistan. Today, MRCC has offices in Cambridge, Massachusetts and Phoenix, Arizona, as well as overseas near U.S. military bases in Germany and Japan, with representatives and volunteers in all fifty states.
In 2026, MRCC launched the International Center for Survivor Justice (ICSJ), an initiative focused on cross-border advocacy, survivor-centered justice, and accountability for harms connected to sexual violence, militarization, and conflict.
ICSJ works to elevate survivor voices, support community-based partnerships, and advocate for long-term structural change and economic justice for survivors and children abroad who have been affected by sexual violence connected to U.S. militarism and imperialism.
Accomplishments
800,000+ people assisted
Active duty members, veterans, and their families since 2006, with support, advocacy, and resources for those affected by sexual violence in the military.
Legislative reform
MRCC played a vital role in advocating for the I Am Vanessa Guillen Act, signed into law in December 2021, and worked on the Military Justice Improvement Act and the Sexual Trauma Oversight and Protection Act.
600+ trainings
Delivered to the Department of Defense, Department of Homeland Security, Department of Veterans Affairs, foreign military organizations, veterans service groups, and civilian professional groups.
Memorial Garden
MRCC dedicated a Memorial Garden in downtown Phoenix to honor victims who lost their lives due to military sexual violence.
Learn more
International Center for Survivor Justice
Advancing survivor-centered justice across borders.
Ready to reach out?
Email hello@stopmilitaryrape.org, call (617) 299-0253, or message us on WhatsApp at (802) 578-4769.
Military Rape Crisis Center
Free, confidential support for Active Duty service members, Veterans, and their loved ones. Supporting survivors, ending sexual violence.
Contact
Phone: (617) 299-0253
WhatsApp: (802) 578-4769
U.S.
2025 N 3rd St
Phoenix, AZ 85004
Japan
1-10-24 Matsuo
Naha-shi, Okinawa, Okinawa-ken 900-0014
© Military Rape Crisis Center. Funded in large part by the Global Women Impact Fund.
