Military Rape Crisis Center

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 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 organizations in the world and remains the only one operating across multiple countries. MRCC operated offices in active war zones, including Iraq and Afghanistan. Today it 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.

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.

600+ trainings

Delivered to the Department of Defense, Department of Homeland Security, Department of Veterans Affairs, foreign military, veterans service groups, and civilian professional groups.

Legislative reform

MRCC played a vital role in 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.