Department of Family Services – Domestic and Sexual Violence Services

Fairfax County, Virginia

CONTACT INFORMATION: Monday–Friday 8 a.m.–4:30 p.m.

703-324-5730
TTY 711

DFSinfo@fairfaxcounty.gov

12011 Government Center Parkway, Pennino Building, Floor 7, Suite 740
Fairfax, VA 22035

Toni Zollicoffer,
Director

Department Resources

Related Resources

Awareness About Domestic and Sexual Violence

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Action + Awareness = Social Change

Raising awareness calls for proactive efforts to increase knowledge of or reshape cultural norms or false perceptions about gender-based violence.

Preventing gender-based violence requires steps to stop violence and abuse from happening in the first place by interrupting the cultural rules, norms, and constructs that support it.

Social change happens when communities are equipped with a better awareness about the issue and understanding of the actions it takes to get there. This equation is solved when individuals, families, communities, and institutions have access to knowledge and tools.

Participate in a Variety of Trainings

Human Trafficking 101
Thursday, Jan. 19, 2023 (10 a.m.-Noon)
This training defines human trafficking, teaches participants how to identify and support survivors, and shares Fairfax County resources. Community service, mental health, legal, and law enforcement professionals provide perspective on the current state of human trafficking locally, the intersection of human trafficking with other forms of violence, and how community service providers and allied professionals can utilize their existing knowledge and skills to address the unique needs and barriers faced by victims of human trafficking. Missed this training? Catch up on this video.

Tier One
Saturdays, March 11 and 18, 2023
Tier One is a 16-hour training on the dynamics of domestic violence, the systems that respond to those experiencing violence, and available resources in our community. The training is designed for professionals interested in learning the dynamics of domestic violence to deepen their work with clients and community members, and anyone interested in volunteering with Domestic and Sexual Violence Services. Please note that you must attend all 16 hours to receive a certificate of completion. This training is free, but registration is required.

Unpacking Gender
Participants will explore the messages we are taught about gender and how they can affect our relationships with ourselves, loved ones, and community. We will discuss the impact gender roles and stereotypes have on LGBTQIA+ individuals and how this knowledge can help us prevent violence. This workshop is aimed at parents, guardians, family members, and other caregivers interested in learning how to talk about gender with the children, teens, and young adults in their life. This workshop is free, but registration is required.

Monday, March 27, 2023
7-8 p.m.
Lorton Library
9520 Richmond Highway
Lorton, VA 22079

Thursday, May 25, 2023
7-8 p.m.
Tysons-Pimmit Regional Library
7584 Leesburg Pike
Falls Church, VA 22043

Tuesday, Sept. 12, 2023
7-8 p.m.
Chantilly Regional Library
4000 Stringfellow Road
Chantilly, VA 20151

Request a training for your organization.

Access Education and Outreach Materials

Awareness Months

National Stalking Awareness Month Poster (January)
Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month Poster (February)
Sexual Assault Awareness Month Poster (April)
Domestic Violence Awareness Month Poster (October)

Heritage Months
Domestic and Sexual Violence Services will provide one-page fact sheets about five heritage months throughout the year, complete with information about heritage-specific organizations working on issues around gender-based violence. Look for the following fact sheets:

February: Black History Month
Arab American History Month
May: Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month
June: Pride
September 15-October 15: Hispanic Heritage Month
November: Native American Heritage Month

LGBTQIA+ Language Guidance
Words matters! And this language guide is an excellent resource to help folks better understand terms related to sexual orientation, gender identity, and expression used in LGBTQIA+ communities. It is not exhaustive, though, and since people use language in different ways, the best practice is always to honor how an individual identifies themselves.

Bystander Intervention
Being an active bystander goes beyond see something, say something. This simple primer gives quick tips for what to do if you see inappropriate or threatening behavior.

Participate in Events and Activities

Wear Blue Day for Human Trafficking Awareness Month
Wednesday, Jan. 11, 2023
National Human Trafficking Awareness Day is recognized every year on January 11. Be part of this day of recognition:

Wear blue to raise awareness about human trafficking and show support for survivors.
Post photos of yourself, friends, family, and colleagues on social media with the #WearBlueDay hashtag. Be sure to tag Fairfax County Department of Family Services on Facebook.
Send photos to Abby Picard. (Photos may be shared online.)

Human Trafficking Awareness Month Proclamation
Tuesday, Jan. 24, 2023
9:30 a.m.
Government Center Board Auditorium
12000 Fairfax County Parkway
Fairfax, VA 22035

Human Trafficking Awareness Month Proclamation

Teen Art Contest Submission Deadline
Friday, Feb. 3, 2023
To shine a spotlight on teen dating violence, Fairfax teens (ages 12 to 19) are invited to use their creativity to design works of art that promote this year’s awareness theme and what it means to them: Awareness + Action = Social Change. Submissions may include paintings, posters, sculpture, short videos and TikToks, poetry, musical performances, and dance performances. Entries and audition videos should be submitted at your local Fairfax County Community Center or Teen Center by Friday, Feb. 3. (See a list of Community and Teen centers.)

Art and performance winners will receive a $100 gift certificate in the Most Original, Most Powerful Message, Best Presentation, Most On-Theme, and People’s Choice categories. If you have questions about this event, contact Debra Miller or Yolanda Bonilla.

Orange Out for Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month
Tuesday, Feb. 7, 2023
Orange Out to raise awareness about Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month.

Take a selfie in your orange outfit.
Post it on social media with the hashtag #OrangeOut. Don’t forget to tag Fairfax County Department of Family Services on Facebook!
Submit your photos to Debra Miller for potential use online.

Teen Advocates Present: Art Showcase
Friday, Feb. 24, 2023
5-7 p.m.
Sully Community Center
13800 Wall Road
Herndon, VA 20171

Come to a celebration of art and performance and raise awareness about teen dating violence. This year’s theme, Awareness + Action = Social Change, encourages people to take a stand against violence in their community. Artwork and performances featured are from the annual art contest where teens respond to what this year’s theme means to them. Attendees will have an opportunity to participate in a variety of art and performance-based activities, as well as vote on the People’s Choice prize.

Department Resources

Related Resources