** Domestic & Sexual Violence 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.
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.
The Domestic Violence Action Center (DVAC) now offers late appointments and longer DVAC Main Line hours to Advocacy Services clients, extending remote services Monday-Friday between 8 a.m.-7 p.m. Advocates provide, free of charge, safety planning, crisis intervention, court accompaniment, referrals and more. Learn additional information or schedule an appointment 703-246-4573.
The recent deaths by suicide of activist and survivor Daisy Coleman last August and her mother, Melinda Coleman, Sunday, Dec. 6, 2020, shine a light on the fact that everyone touched by sexual assault can face a much higher risk of suicidal feelings. All survivors deserve support to recover and lead a full life.
If you have experienced sexual violence and need support, help is available. Department of Family Services division of Domestic and Sexual Violence Services also serves those who are affected by the sexual assault of someone close to them. Learn more by contacting the Fairfax County Domestic and Sexual Violence 24-Hour Hotline 703-360-7273. Learn more about this story.
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.
County Conversation podcast with Jim Person and Domestic and Sexual Violence Services Brittany Vera as they discussed the Step Up 4 Kids initiative. Check out the podcast.
Make a difference for children who witness domestic violence. Learn more about Step Up 4 Kids.
Counseling helps people feel stronger, safer, less afraid and more hopeful. But seeking help takes effort and courage. That is why we make it easy for you to access services. Our counselors speak English and Spanish, and we use interpreters for other languages, including American Sign Language. And starting July 2020, we also offer a teletherapy option. Learn more about teletherapy.
Family and friends can do a variety of things to support a loved one who is being abused, starting with a call to the Fairfax County Domestic and Sexual Violence 24-Hour Hotline at 703-360-7273. Check out the full list of ways to provide support.
These are stressful times because of risks to our health, many of us must stay home. For some, staying home doesn’t always feel safe because someone there may threaten or hurt you. If this is you, know that you can call the Fairfax County Domestic and Sexual Violence hotline for help 24 hours a day at 703-360-7273.
If it is not safe to talk, text LOVEIS to 22522 for the national domestic violence hotline or chat at rainn.org for the national sexual violence hotline. If you are in immediate danger, call 911.
You are the best judge of safety in your own situation. But here are some ideas for keeping yourself and others in your home safe.
When you live with someone who threatens your safety, you worry about your child’s safety, too. The best time to plan for safety with your children is before the emergency starts. Just like fire drills help us prepare for the possibility of a fire, talking to children when things are calm will help everyone know what to do when things are stressful. Learn more about safety planning with children during an emergency.
If you are a victim of domestic violence, and you are worried about getting help during the COVID-19 pandemic, we have resources to help with shelter and housing; financial; employment services; utilities; food; transportation and more.
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.
You can help!Check out the community engagement toolkit (talking points, social media 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. Learn more.
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!
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
