Domestic and Sexual Violence 24-Hour Hotline 703-360-7273; TTY 711
SAFETY ALERT – If you are in danger, call or text 911.
703-324-5730
TTY 711
Toni Zollicoffer,
Director
SAFETY ALERT – If you are in danger, call or text 911.
DFS cares about the safety and well-being of individuals and families and we are still here for you. Although most of our services are not being provided in-person at this time, we continue to offer services online and by phone.
Skip the trip! Learn more about DFS' Assistance from a Distance – a variety of services available to you without having to leave the safety of your home.
Stay connected with us:
Get the most up-to-date information about Coronavirus (COVID-19) in Fairfax County.
The Department of Family Services' Domestic and Sexual Violence Services offers compassionate and comprehensive state-accredited programs for women, men, teens and children who have been affected by domestic and sexual violence, stalking and human trafficking.
From the Headlines: The Cosby Conviction and Early Release
The news of Bill Cosby’s early release on a technicality is an example of the complexities we face as government in meaningfully addressing sexual violence. We have spoken with survivors of sexual violence who say when justice is served, they can begin to personally heal. When survivors have choices about the type of justice they are seeking, it can have a positive impact on helping them heal and restore personal safety. Learn more about how Fairfax County’s Domestic and Sexual Violence Services division can help survivors, call the Domestic and Sexual Violence 24-Hour Hotline 703-360-7273.
Survivor Stories Video – Ana
Ana escaped a violent upbringing by quickly jumping into marriage. But her husband was also violent, so the cycle started again. To compound her trauma, Ana also was an immigrant, with her closest family still in another country and a non-existent support system. To escape her situation and determined not to have her daughter caught up in generations of abuse, Ana turned to Domestic and Sexual Violence Services for help. Learn more about Ana's story of survival. Note: This video contains details from the survivor's personal story that may be disturbing or triggering. Check out more videos from Domestic and Sexual Violence Services. #SurvivorStories
The Intersection of Gender-Based Violence and Economics
Ending gender-based violence requires us to see all the aspects of the issue. Often, when we think of intimate partner violence, we envision only bruises or broken bones—things we can see—or perhaps verbal abuse. But domestic violence takes many forms, including financial abuse, a subject that is often overlooked.
The truth is personal safety and economic security are inextricably linked for victims of domestic violence. Research from the Centers for Financial Security shows financial abuse is present in 99 percent of domestic violence cases. Learn more about the intersection of domestic violence and financial abuse, call the Domestic and Sexual Violence 24-Hotline 703-360-7273.
Safe Shelters Available to Victims of Domestic and Sexual Violence, Stalking, and Human Trafficking
Shelter is temporary safe housing available to victims of domestic and sexual violence, stalking, and human trafficking that offers a secure environment while victims figure out next steps and make longer-term living arrangements as they recover from trauma. Fairfax County currently offers two shelter options: Artemis House and Bethany House. Learn more about shelter options.
Step Up 4 Kids Initiative
Step Up 4 Kids began when county officials realized that seeing domestic violence at any age can affect a child for the rest of their lives. Children may not have the words to tell adults how the violence in their house explains how they act. Fairfax County understands it's important for everyone to work together to meet the needs of children impacted by domestic violence. Learn about ways you can help with the Step Up 4 Kids community engagement toolkit.
This is an important time to be aware of healthy relationships. Given the continuous major changes the community and agencies are facing, we're focusing on positive transformation and coping with change.
Transform the Norm is this year's theme. This speaks to how the “norm” will be changed post-COVID-19 and how our communities can adjust, while also uplifting a positive interpretation of shifting away from unhealthy societal norms around intimate partner violence, sexual violence, human trafficking, teen dating violence, strangulation and stalking.
Ways You Can Transform the Norm
Check out the community engagement toolkit (talking points, social media, videos, articles and more) to spread the word throughout the community about the Department of Family Services Domestic and Sexual Violence Services’ (DSVS) important work and services available during COVID-19.
Volunteers are an integral part of our mission of preventing and ending domestic and sexual violence, stalking and human trafficking. Many of our key services depend upon dedicated volunteers. We could not do the work we do without help from our volunteers.
Be. The. One. to positively impact our community. Connect with us today!
Donations can make a difference! There are two ways you can help.
Learn more about each and make a donation.
Fairfax County Department of Family Services is on FacebookLike and Follow us on Facebook at @FairfaxCountyFamilyServices for news, events, tips, stories and training opportunities. We support families and county residents of all ages and stages of life. Join our online community and engage with us through social media. #FairfaxCountyFamilyServices
