SAFETY ALERT – If you are in danger, call or text 911.
Should I attend either of these trainings if I am...
...a professional who works with the public but does not work with sexual violence survivors?
Domestic and sexual violence are, unfortunately, incredibly common experiences. Even if your work does not focus specifically on working with individuals or families impacted by these issues, anyone working with the public will interact in some way with clients or patients who have experienced domestic or sexual violence.
...a domestic violence service provider?
Short answer – yes! Longer answer – research shows 1 in 3 people who experience sexual violence in their lifetime report the violence was by an intimate partner. While many of the systems responding to sexual violence are similar to those responding to domestic violence, they often operate differently and involve different teams or departments.
...a child or youth serving professional?
These trainings will discuss domestic or sexual violence across the lifespan, including during childhood and adolescence. Four in five adults who have experienced rape report their first experience of sexual violence before turning 18 years old, and two out of three high school seniors reported having a dating partner who always wanted to know their whereabouts in the 2022 Fairfax County Youth Survey.
…a medical professional, attorney, social worker, private mental health provider, faith leader, law enforcement professional, court services provider, community leader, or college student?
Anyone who engages with the public can benefit from learning about the impacts of domestic and sexual violence on the people they serve. Allied professionals across disciplines, community leaders, and college students are more than welcome to attend. If you have any questions about how this training may be relevant to your role, contact Abby Picard.
...a potential volunteer with Domestic and Sexual Violence Services (DSVS)?
Fairfax County DSVS volunteers are required to complete both Sexual Violence Tier One and Domestic Violence Tier One trainings. If you are interested in volunteering or would like to learn more about the process of becoming a volunteer with DSVS, contact Volunteer Manager Caroline Croghan.
What support will be available during these trainings?
These trainings will discuss domestic and sexual violence issues in depth, which may be difficult or trigger strong emotions for some participants. For in-person sessions, there will be hourly breaks, a quiet room, and staff available to provide on-site support. All participants will develop a self-care plan and have access to support from Domestic and Sexual Violence Services staff. If you have any questions about participating in training, contact Abby Picard.
I want to attend this training, but I am not available on these dates. Will Sexual Violence Tier One be held again in the future?
Yes! Beginning in 2024, Tier One trainings on Sexual Violence and Domestic Violence will each be held three times a year. Training dates for this and other trainings will be made available on this webpage under the tab “Participate in a Variety of Trainings.”
I’ve already taken Tier One to learn about domestic violence. Is this the same training?
Sexual Violence Tier One training began in 2024 and includes different material than Domestic Violence Tier One training on domestic violence. While domestic and sexual violence are often linked, this training will discuss sexual violence in different forms and across the life course, both within and outside of intimate partner relationships.