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Free, short-term individual and group counseling for children,
teens, women, and men and their family members who have experienced
domestic or sexual violence.
What Does Counseling Involve?
At no cost to you, a trained counselor will listen to you
without judging you and help you with healing, safety, and other
issues related to your experiences with domestic and/or sexual
violence. You can receive up to 10 weekly individual counseling
sessions. The counselor will also help you find other services
and resources to meet your needs.
You may also participate in group counseling. Groups run for 8
to 10 sessions and include peer support and education.
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Women’s Domestic Violence Group – Support and education to
understand domestic violence and promote safety and healing.
A children’s group is also available at the same time and
place.
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Children Matter! – Held at the same time as the women’s
domestic violence group. Support and education for children
who have had domestic violence in their homes and families.
There are separate groups for children and teens of different
ages.
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Trauma Survivors’ Coping Skills Group – Teaching women who
have been sexually abused or had other trauma to manage
unpleasant emotions, gain a sense of security, and learn to
thrive.
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Men’s Survivors’ Group – Support for men who want to
understand and heal from sexual abuse they experienced in
childhood.
Call 703-324-5730; TTY 703-324-5706 to request an appointment
with a trained counselor. English and Spanish-speaking counselors
are available. We also provide interpreters for other languages.
Who Is Eligible?
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You or a family member must have experienced domestic or sexual
violence or stalking.
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You must live in, work in, or have been abused or assaulted in
Fairfax County or the Cities of Fairfax or Falls Church. (The
Men’s Survivor Group does not require residency for
participation.)
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Children are eligible for individual counseling services.
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Because counseling is short-term, it is not a good fit for:
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People with a serious mental illness without other
psychiatric care or if the condition could make our
services unhelpful or harmful;
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People in other counseling or treatments that could
duplicate or conflict with our services unless services are
coordinated;
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People with a history of sexual abuse by a parent or family
member (incest).
Where Do I Go For Counseling?
You can meet with us in one of many locations throughout Fairfax
County. When you call to request counseling, the counselor who
works closest to your zip code will contact you.
How Long Is The Wait For Services?
Our goal is to return your call within one working day. To help
us provide our services without delay, please call back promptly
if you receive a voice message from us. Counseling can start
within a few weeks or sooner from the time you speak with a
counselor. Depending on demand, there might be a longer wait at a
particular site.
How Do I Recognize Violence?
Domestic Violence
Domestic violence can put the victim and family in serious
danger, whether it occurs rarely under specific circumstances or
whether it involves a continuous pattern of behaviors intended to
control, intimidate, and isolate the victim. Men and women can be
victims of domestic violence. Victims of domestic violence and
their children often develop low self-esteem, anxiety, and
secrecy, either out of fear of retaliation from the abuser or out
of being made by the abuser to feel somehow responsible for the
abuse. Victims of domestic violence deserve to know that they
have a variety of options and supports available to them and that
they do not need to tolerate the abuse. Victims have the right to
safety and even certain legal protections. Domestic violence may
include:
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Abuse by a spouse, household member, romantic partner, or ex
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Physical attacks (like hitting, choking, or throwing things)
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Psychological abuse (like insults, yelling, humiliation, or
mind games)
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Threats (to harm or kill you, children, pets, or self—even if
it was vague)
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Controlling (making orders or leaving you out of decisions)
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Isolating (limiting your contact with friends and family)
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Withholding access to joint assets (like money, keys, car,
phone/web, or food)
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Harming pets or property
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Using children as a way to control you
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Extreme jealousy, religious domineering, extreme criticism,
or sabotage
Sexual Violence
Sexual violence can take many forms and is not limited to rape
(penetration). The perpetrator need not be a stranger. Sexual
assault and rape can be committed by an acquaintance, a romantic
partner, or a spouse. Any unwanted sex acts constitute sexual
assault and are a crime. It is normal for a victim of sexual
assault to feel embarrassed and afraid, and it can be hard to
tell someone about it. Victims deserve to be believed and
protected. They have the right to a free emergency hospital exam
whether or not they involve police. They have the right to legal
protection and sometimes compensation. Emotional problems
stemming from sexual abuse sometimes emerge much later and can
persist and worsen if not treated. With counseling, many sexual
violence survivors experience improvement.
Stalking
Stalking is a pattern of conduct (however brief or prolonged)
that causes another person some degree of fear. It can involve
repeated unwanted contact, surveillance, vandalism, threats, or
attempts to hurt the victim’s personal or professional reputation
or relationships. In some cases stalking can escalate to present
a danger to the victim. Legal protections are available to
victims of stalking. Victims of stalking can also receive help
ensuring their safety.
Additional Services Include:
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24-hour Hotline (domestic and sexual violence, stalking, and
human trafficking)
Interpreters are available for hotline calls in any language
703-360-7273; TTY 703-435-1235.
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Artemis House
Emergency shelter for domestic violence survivors and their
families 703-435-4940; TTY 703-435-1235.
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Domestic Violence Action Center (DVAC)
Advocacy center serving those affected by domestic violence
and stalking; DVAC is located at the Fairfax County court
complex 703-246-4573; TTY 711.
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ADAPT (Anger Domestic Abuse Prevention and Treatment)
*Fees are associated with this program.
Batterer Intervention Program for those who commit domestic
violence 703-968-4052; TTY 703-324-5706.
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Mujeres Transformando Vidas
Educational group in Spanish for women, offered at several
Family Resource Centers in Fairfax County 703-324-9483; TTY
703-324-5706.
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Housing/Economic Specialist
Provides information for people affected by domestic violence
who need help finding housing and employment 703-324-2842; TTY
703-324-5706.
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Children’s Services
Provides information and resources for children impacted by
domestic or sexual violence 703-324-2395; TTY 703-324-5706.
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Court Specialist
Provides information about survivors’ legal rights and
assistance accessing legal resources and the court system
703-246-3451; TTY 711.
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Community Outreach and Education
Presentations to adults, teens, and children in various
community settings 703-324-5730; TTY 703-324-5706.
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Compassion Training for Couples in Conflict
A workshop for couples experiencing conflict in their
relationship who are looking for peaceful, cooperative
solutions 703-324-9484; TTY 703-324-5706
How You Can Help:
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Become a volunteer! We have a large team of committed
volunteers who co-lead survivors’ and offenders’ groups, take
crisis calls, accompany survivors for forensic nurse
examinations, help with education and outreach programs, and
provide administrative office assistance. If you are interested
in volunteering, please contact our Volunteer Coordinator at
703-324-9495; TTY 703-324-5706.
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Counseling and batterer intervention internships are available
for Master’s-level students in counseling, psychology, and
social work.
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We welcome professionals and organizations that serve survivors
of domestic and sexual violence to contact us for consultation.
We are committed to a coordinated community response to
violence.
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For group or individual counseling,
call
703-324-5730;
TTY 703-324-5706
to request an appointment
with a trained counselor.
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