** 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.
Webinar - Introduction to Domestic and Sexual Violence for Healthcare Providers(Originally scheduled for Tuesday, Sept. 29, 11 a.m. but is being rescheduled. Updated information will be posted here.)
Learn how healthcare providers and hospital staff can support patients experiencing domestic and sexual violence; how to respond to patients who disclose that they are experiencing violence; how to provide patients with appropriate resources; and how and when to refer patients to services provided by the Inova Ewing Forensic Assessment and Consultation Team (FACT) Department. This webinar is free but registration is required. Learn more and sign-up for the webinar.
ADAPT Telehealth: Counseling Groups Over Video CallWe may feel frustrated, angry or concerned, and we may hurt or have hurt others close to us with words or violence. But there are safer ways to manage our emotions and make better choices. Learn about options through Domestic and Sexual Violence Services’ ADAPT: Anger & Domestic Abuse Prevention and Treatment program. This 18-week, state-certified domestic violence intervention program uses a group format to teach adults emotional regulation skills. Available since Monday, Sept. 21, this program will be offered through telehealth - counseling groups over video call. Contact the ADAPT Information and Intake Line at 703-968-4052 to schedule a free orientation and registration telephone appointment. Learn more about ADAPT Telehealth.
Sexual Violence Survivors at Greater Risk of SuicideThe recent suicide of activist and survivor Daisy Coleman has shined a light on the fact that sexual assault survivors 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. Contact the Fairfax County Domestic and Sexual Violence 24-Hour Hotline: 703-360-7273. Learn more.
Teletherapy: Counseling from a DistanceCounseling 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.
Be a Support System to Loved Ones Affected by Domestic and Sexual Abuse During COVID-19Family 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.
Staying Safe at HomeThese 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.
Safety Planning with Children During an EmergencyWhen 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.
Essential Resources for Victims of Domestic Violence During COVID-19If 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.
Make a Difference - Volunteer Your Talents and TimeVolunteers 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 FacebookFollow 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
