This booklet, written in response to requests from throughout the nation about how a rape crisis center can be started, presents the history of the founding of the Washington, D.C. center. The booklet offers sections dealing with specific issues. A section discusses, for the rape victim, pros and cons of working with the police, together with the various legal implications. The medical and hospital information section describes hospital procedures and the problems of venereal disease and pregnancy. Additional sections discusses the emergency phone service of the crisis center, transportation and counseling, conducting rape conferences, and publicity. The final section, called "Putting it All Together", covers other important issues not mentioned in previous parts of the booklet. Appendices containing sample forms, bylaws of the rape crisis center, and a mock phone conversation are attached. (Author/BW)