Interpersonal violence refers to violence between individuals, and is subdivided into family and intimate partner violence, and community violence. 39% of women living D.C. have experienced sexual violence, physical violence, and/or stalking perpetrated by an intimate partner. With 26% of homeless adults in families in D.C. reported a history of domestic violence.

Poverty refers to lacking enough resources to provide the necessities of life—food, clean water, shelter and clothing. Though ward 4’s poverty rate is below the district average, something to consider is that there are more seniors (65 and over) who are experiencing poverty in ward 4.

A disability is any condition of the body or mind (impairment) that makes it more difficult for the person with the condition to do certain activities (activity limitation) and interact with the world around them (participation restrictions). Remember, disabilities can be visible and invisible. 22.9% of people in DC have some type of disability.

Race is a social and political construct. Racism involves one group having the power to carry out systematic discrimination through the institutional policies and practices of the society and by shaping the cultural beliefs and values that support those racist policies and practices. The majority of ward 4 is Black/African American at 45%.

LGBTQ is an acronym for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer or questioning. These terms are used to describe a person’s sexual orientation or gender identity. Casa Ruby provides housing and shelter services, health services, social services and programs catering to the LGBTQ+ community. This organization, which is run and led by transgender women of color, is located a few blocks up from SPK.

How do we identify and address our biases with the LGBTQ+ community?

Ageism refers to the stereotypes (how we think), prejudice (how we feel) and discrimination (how we act) towards others or oneself based on age. The largest age group in ward 4 is between 25-34 with a median age of 40.

Cultures are customary beliefs, social forms, and material traits of a racial, religious, ethnic, or social group. Ward 4 has double the percentage of Hispanics/Latinos than in the District. In the Ward 4 area, the most popular languages are Spanish and African languages.

How do we identify and address our biases with language and culture?

Mental health includes our emotional, psychological, and social well-being.D.C. ranks the worst in terms of dependence or abuse of illicit drugs or alcohol, in 51st (last) place. The prevalence of dependence or abuse of illicit drugs or alcohol is 12.51% in D.C., as compared to 8.47% nationally.

How do we appropriately engage with persons with mental health and substance abuse disorders?

How do we de-escalate situations involving someone with mental health?

In the past two years, ward 4 has experienced average to minimal crime. The goal of de-escalation is to decrease the emotional, physical and mental stress levels of a situation using verbal and non-verbal de-escalation techniques.