Department of Family Services – Domestic and Sexual Violence Services

CONTACT INFORMATION: Monday–Friday 8 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
703-324-5730 TTY 711
12011 Government Center Parkway, Pennino Building, Floor 7, Suite 740
Fairfax, VA 22035
Toni Zollicoffer
Director

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month

exit website button circle  SAFETY ALERT – If you are in danger, call or text 911.


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Domestic violence is a family, community and public health issue with widespread ripple effects that impact all parts of our community. It will take all of us to build a peaceful and safe Fairfax County.

Did you know?

  • 1 in 4 women and nearly 1 in 10 men will experience sexual violence, physical violence or stalking by an intimate partner during their lives.
  • More than 43 million women and 38 million men will experience psychological aggression by an intimate partner in their lifetime.

Research also shows survivors of domestic violence have significantly higher rates of long-term health problems, including diabetes, frequent headaches, chronic pain, difficulty sleeping, asthma, depression and post-traumatic stress disorder.

We can prevent domestic violence across our community by addressing the root causes of the problem. We can eliminate attitudes, beliefs, behaviors, environments and policies that contribute to domestic violence and promote strategies that stop it. Together, we can reduce our acceptance and tolerance of violence, and reject norms, practices and policies that place girls and women at increased risk. We can confront gender and racial injustices.

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Learn about county activities and resources honoring the month and check out our community engagement toolkit for ways you can share the message!


Wednesday, Oct. 5, 2022: County Conversation Podcast

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Wednesday, Oct. 5, 2022

Angela Yeboah, advocacy services program manager in the Domestic Violence Action Center, will discuss firearms surrender procedures with County Conversation podcast host Jim Person. 


Documentary Screening and Panel Discussion: Crime after Crime

crime-after-crime-posterTuesday, Oct. 11, 2022 (6-8:30 p.m.)
Stacy C. Sherwood Community Center
3740 Old Lee Highway
Fairfax, VA 22030


Join Fairfax County Department of Family Services and Domestic and Sexual Violence Services for a special screening of “Crime After Crime,” a documentary about incarcerated domestic violence survivor Debbie Peagler’s decades-long fight for her freedom. The screening will be followed by a panel discussion about the criminalization of survivors of intimate partner violence, and how those survivors are often forced to defend themselves against their abuser as well as the justice system. Attendance is free, but registration is required.


Support Domestic Violence Victims at 2d Annual Toiletry Drive

2022-toiletry-drive-01.pngSaturday, Oct. 15, 2022 (10 a.m.-Noon)
Mount Vernon Woods Elementary School
4015 Fielding Street
Alexandria, VA

Join the brothers and sisters of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc., and Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., as they partner with Shelter House and Domestic and Sexual Violence Services for the 2nd Annual Domestic Violence Toiletry Drive. Can't make it in person? Choose items off the Amazon Wishlist

      

    


Thursday, Oct. 20 Purple Out! – Fairfax County Turns Purple

purple out Folks from Fairfax County (and beyond) took part in a National Day of Action: #PurpleOut. They pulled together their favorite purple clothing (see the Purple Out slideshow, below) and shared selfies to help raise awareness about domestic violence and show their support for survivors. You can still get in on the action by sending your purple selfies to John Crownover at john.crownover@fairfaxcounty.gov. You may see yourself in a future slideshow.

Fairfax Virtual Assistant