Military Rape Crisis Center

History

The Military Rape Crisis Center (MRCC) 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 provide support for 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 organizations in the world and remains the only anti-sexual violence organization operating across multiple countries. MRCC operated offices in active war zones, including Iraq and Afghanistan to offer support to their fellow service members. Today, the Military Rape Crisis Center has offices in Cambridge, Massachusetts and Phoenix, Arizona, as well as overseas near U.S. military bases in Germany and Japan. MRCC also has representatives and volunteers in all fifty states to meet the needs of survivors locally.

Accomplishments

The Military Rape Crisis Center (MRCC) has assisted over 800,000 active duty members, veterans, and their families since 2006. Through its dedicated efforts, MRCC has provided support, advocacy, and resources to those affected by sexual violence in the military, helping to ensure they have access to the care and services they need. This long-standing commitment has made a significant impact on the lives of countless individuals, providing them with a support network during their healing journeys.

MRCC played a vital role in the I Am Vanessa Guillén Act, which was signed into law by President Biden in December 2021. This landmark legislation eliminates the direct involvement of senior military officials in sexual misconduct cases, ensuring they are handled by independent, specialized prosecutors. MRCC also worked on the Military Justice Improvement Act and the Sexual Trauma Oversight and Protection Act. MRCC’s advocacy and efforts were instrumental in driving these reforms, helping ensure that survivors have access to a more just and supportive process.

MRCC has provided over 600 trainings to a wide range of groups, including the Department of Defense, Department of Homeland Security, Department of Veterans Affairs, foreign military, veterans service groups, and various civilian professional groups. These trainings have focused on raising awareness, improving response protocols, and equipping personnel with the tools needed to better support survivors of sexual violence in the military.