Skip to main content
Fairfax County, Virginia
Fairfax County Virginia
Fairfax County Virginia

FFX Global Navigation

    • Domestic and Sexual Violence Services Homepage
    • April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month
    • ADAPT: Anger & Domestic Abuse Prevention & Treatment Program
    • Awareness About Domestic and Sexual Violence
    • About DSVS
    • DSVS - Community Engagement Toolkit
    • Domestic Violence Action Center (DVAC)
    • Advocacy Services
    • Clinical Services
      • Anger & Domestic Abuse Prevention & Treatment Program (ADAPT)
      • Counseling Services
    • Commission for Women
    • Council to End Domestic Violence
    • Domestic Violence
    • Domestic and Sexual Violence 24-Hour Hotline
    • Outreach and Education Services
    • Resilient Kids, Thriving Families
    • Sexual Violence
      • Sexual Violence
      • Emotional Support
      • Hospital Accompaniment
      • Secondary Survivors
      • Sexual Harassment
      • Title IX
      • Triggers
    • Shelter Options
    • Step Up 4 Kids
      • Step Up 4 Kids (SU4K)
      • SU4K - Community Engagement Toolkit
    • Teen Dating Violence
    • Volunteer Voices Newsletter
    • Ways You Can Help
      • Ways You Can Help - Donate
      • Ways You Can Help - Volunteer
    • January is Human Trafficking Awareness Month
    • January is Stalking Awareness Month
    • February is Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month
    • October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month
  • Residents
    • Animals & Pets
      • Adoptions
      • Animal Control & Regulations
      • Guide to Dogs
      • Lost & Found Pets
      • Shelter Support & Supplies
      • Wildlife
      • More
      Courts & Legal
      • Case Information
      • Circuit Court Docket
      • Jury Duty
      • Land Records
      • Magistrate
      • Public Law Library
      • Self-Help Resources
      • Traffic Court
      • Vital Records
      • More
      Environment & Energy
      • Invasive Species
      • Litter
      • Recycle, Trash & Compost
      • Sustain Fairfax
      • Trees
      • Watersheds
      • More
      Health & Human Services
      • Basic Needs & Assistance
      • Disability Services
      • Diseases & Conditions
      • Domestic & Sexual Violence
      • Health Clinics
      • Mental Health
      • Opioids
      • More
      Individuals & Families
      • Children & Youth
      • Federal Workforce
      • Immigrants
      • Military & Veterans
      • New Residents
      • Older Adults
      • Parents
      • People with Disabilities
      • Volunteers
      • More
      Land Use & Planning
      • Comprehensive Plan
      • County Capital Projects
      • Land Records
      • Parks Planning
      • Planning Projects
      • Research Tools
      • Transportation Projects
      • Urban Centers
      • More
      Library & Education
      • Adult Education
      • Early Childhood Programs
      • Library Branches
      • Library Catalog Search
      • Public Schools
      • More
      Parks & Recreation
      • Arts
      • Athletic Fields
      • Camps
      • Community Centers
      • Parktakes Classes
      • Rec Centers
      • Senior Centers
      • Teen Centers
      • Trails
      • More
      Permits & Licenses
      • Birth & Death Certificates
      • Building
      • Child Care
      • Dogs
      • Health
      • Marriage
      • Park Use
      • Solicitors
      • More
      Property & Housing
      • Affordable Housing
      • Code & Zoning
      • Neighborhoods
      • Real Estate Values
      • Recycling & Trash
      • Tenant Landlord Issues
      • Utilities
      • More
      Public Safety & Emergencies
      • 9-1-1
      • Emergency Preparedness
      • Fire & Rescue
      • Gun Violence Prevention
      • Police
      • Scams
      • Sheriff
      • Storm Center
      • More
      Roads & Commuting
      • Bike & Walk
      • Connector Bus
      • Metrobus & Metrorail
      • Park & Ride
      • Pedestrian Safety
      • Road Maintenance/VDOT
      • Street Parking
      • Toll Roads
      • Transportation Projects
      • More
      Taxes & Fees
      • Car Taxes
      • Park Fees
      • Real Estate Taxes
      • Tax Relief
      • Trash Disposal Fees
      • More
      Voting & Elections
      • Absentee Voting
      • Early Voting
      • Election Results
      • Polling Places
      • Voter Registration
      • More
      Weather & Climate
      • Air Quality
      • Climate Action Dashboard
      • Extreme Heat
      • Floods
      • Ready Fairfax
      • Resilient Fairfax
      • Snow
      • Tornadoes
      • More
  • Business
    • Business & Construction
      • Building Permits
      • Code & Zoning
      • Land Use
      • More
      Business Services
      • Business Emergency Preparedness
      • Business Taxes
      • Consumer Services
      • Employer Transportation Service
      • Green Business Partners Program
      • Home-Based Business
      • Regulation & Licensing
      • Small Business
      • Starting a Business
      • Workplace Issues
      • More
      Doing Business with Fairfax
      • Contracting and Procurement
      • Current Solicitations
      • Permits
      • Vendor Pitch Portal
      • More
  • Government
    • About
      • Codes & Standards
      • Countywide Strategic Plan
      • Facilities & Locations
      • History of Fairfax County
      • Operating Status
      • More
      Board of Supervisors
      • Auditor
      • Board Members
      • Boards, Authorities & Commissions
      • Clerk Services
      • Committees
      • Meetings & Agendas
      • More
      Budget & Finance
      • Bonds
      • Budget
      • Financial Transparency
      • Unclaimed Money
      • More
      Departments & Agencies
      Jobs & Employment
      • Full-Time Openings
      • Internships
      • Seasonal & Non-Merit
      Maps & Data
      • Countywide Data Analytics
      • Demographics
      • Geographic Information Systems
      • Interactive Data Tools
      • More
      One Fairfax
      • Digital Equity
      • Inclusive Engagement
      • Trust Policy
  • Fairfax County Virginia
  • Services
    • Find
      • Animal Services
      • Health Clinics
      • Jobs
      • Library Resources
      • Lost or Found Pet
      • Mental Health Support
      • Park Classes
      • Real Estate Values
      • Recycling & Trash
      • Volunteer Opportunities
      • More
      Pay
      • Business Taxes
      • Car Taxes
      • Dog Licenses
      • Driving & Parking Fines
      • False Alarm Fees
      • Real Estate/Property Taxes
      • SACC Payments
      • More
      Register/Apply
      • Basic Needs & Assistance
      • Building Inspections
      • Car Registration
      • Fairfax Alerts
      • Permits & Licenses
      • Tax Relief
      • Vote
      • More
      Report
      • Animal Control Issues
      • Consumer Complaints
      • Crime
      • Domestic Violence
      • Financial Crimes
      • Neighborhood Complaints
      • Road Issues to VDOT
      • Street Light Outages
      • More
  • Connect
    • Alerts, Emails & Apps
      • Email Subscriptions
      • Fairfax Alerts
      • Mobile App
      • More
      Community Engagement
      • Surveys & Projects
      Contact
      • Directory
      • Hotlines & Emergency Numbers
      • VDOT
      • VFOIA Requests
      • More
      News & Events
      • Daily Headlines
      • Emergency Information Blog
      • Events Calendar
      • NewsCenter
      • NotiCentro (Spanish)
      • Public Meetings Calendar
      • More
      Social Media
      • Comments Policy
      • Directory of Accounts
      • More
      TV, Video & Podcasts
      • Channel 16
      • Podcasts & Radio
      • YouTube
      • More
  • TRANSLATE
    • Language Selection

      To change the language of this website, click the drop-down list and select the desired language. The Fairfax County Web site is being translated through "machine translation" powered by Google Translate. Disclaimer

Department of Family Services – Domestic and Sexual Violence Services

  1. Home
  2. Family Services
  3. Domestic and Sexual Violence Services
  4. October Is Domestic Violence Awareness Month

Department of Family Services Alert:

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

Department Resources

  • Domestic and Sexual Violence Services Homepage
  • April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month
  • ADAPT: Anger & Domestic Abuse Prevention & Treatment Program
  • Awareness About Domestic and Sexual Violence
  • About DSVS
  • DSVS - Community Engagement Toolkit
  • Domestic Violence Action Center (DVAC)
  • Advocacy Services
  • Clinical Services
    • Anger & Domestic Abuse Prevention & Treatment Program (ADAPT)
    • Counseling Services
  • Commission for Women
  • Council to End Domestic Violence
  • Domestic Violence
  • Domestic and Sexual Violence 24-Hour Hotline
  • Outreach and Education Services
  • Resilient Kids, Thriving Families
  • Sexual Violence
    • Sexual Violence
    • Emotional Support
    • Hospital Accompaniment
    • Secondary Survivors
    • Sexual Harassment
    • Title IX
    • Triggers
  • Shelter Options
  • Step Up 4 Kids
    • Step Up 4 Kids (SU4K)
    • SU4K - Community Engagement Toolkit
  • Teen Dating Violence
  • Volunteer Voices Newsletter
  • Ways You Can Help
    • Ways You Can Help - Donate
    • Ways You Can Help - Volunteer
  • January is Human Trafficking Awareness Month
  • January is Stalking Awareness Month
  • February is Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month
  • October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month

Related Resources

  • Community Corner
  • Family Services
  • Health and Human Services
  • facebook

October Is Domestic Violence Awareness Month

Translate this page into a different language.
Domestic and Sexual Violence 24-Hour Hotline 703-360-7273; TTY 711

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


October Is Domestic Violence Awareness Month: Crafting Healthy Relationships

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!


Domestic Violence Awareness Month Community Quilt Project

 DVAM Community Quilt Project FlyerDid you know quilting and art have long been integral to the movement to end sexual and domestic violence? Art and activism are linked, and creating art can be therapeutic for those who have experienced domestic violence.

For Domestic Violence Awareness Month in 2025, Fairfax County Domestic and Sexual Violence Services is collecting quilt blocks created by the community with the theme of “Crafting Healthy Relationships.” The finished quilt will be displayed in Fairfax County Public Libraries in 2026. Get more information about creating a quilt block. 


Is Your Relationship Healthy?

couple with moving boxesIn Domestic and Sexual Violence Services, we talk so much about interpersonal violence, people who cause harm, and knowing the signs of abuse that we sometimes push the promotion of healthy relationships to the back burner. What, exactly, is a healthy relationship, and how do you know if yours is one?


2nd Annual Empowerment Through Care Drive

October 1-31, 2025

woman putting on lipstickDomestic violence can leave lasting emotional, financial, and psychological scars. Of course, no single gesture can erase the pain survivors endure, but this campaign is not about covering up trauma; it’s about creating moments of dignity, confidence, and self-care for those rebuilding their lives. The Fairfax County Police Department Victim Services Division is accepting donations of new, unopened beauty and self-care products (lipstick, lotion, or men’s grooming products) to help survivors reclaim a sense of control, celebrate their strength, and take steps toward healing. The Empowerment Through Care campaign runs all month. Mail or drop off donations to: Saly Fayez, 12099 Government Centr Parkway, Fairfax, VA 22035. For more information, email Saly. 


Domestic Violence Awareness Month 2025 Proclamation

Tuesday, October 14: Domestic Violence Awareness Month Proclamation

On Tuesday, Oct. 14, 2025, the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors proclaimed October Domestic Violence Awareness Month Meredith McKeen, vice president of programs for Northern Virginia Family Services, accepted the proclamation. 


Saturday, Oct. 11: National Coming Out Day

Department of Family Services logoNational Coming Out Day is dedicated to honoring the bravery of LGBTQIA+ individuals who decide to come out and live openly. Coming out is often the first step toward living authentically. Take time to support and help those in your life who have chosen to come out, and check the Human Rights Campaign's Coming Out Resources Center for information about living openly.


Thursday, Oct. 16: Purple Thursday!

Fairfax County turned purple to support survivors of domestic violence! 


Friday, Oct. 17: Domestic and Sexual Violence Community Annual Meeting

Until Everyone is SafeFairfax County Government Center
12000 Government Center Parkway
Fairfax, VA 22035

8:30-11:30 a.m.

Join the Council to End Domestic Violence, the Domestic Violence Network, the Sexual Assault Response Team, and the Fairfax County interpersonal violence community as they celebrate the milestones met over the past year and recommit to continuing the work until everyone is safe. Featured events include a networking breakfast, an art therapy project, and the domestic and sexual violence Community Awards.


Friday, Oct. 17: Start Anew One-Day Clinic

1126 16th Street NW
Washington, D.C. 20036

11 a.m.-4 p.m.

Designed to meet the immediate needs of survivors, Start Anew’s clinic services include wrap-around and job readiness services, such as resume and interview workshops; job applications and job fair with employers; no-cost professional workwear; criminal record expungement, vacatur, and sealing; financial literacy sessions; mental health and wellness sessions; and more. Participants will also be provided with lunch, public transportation stipends, and Hope Bags with personal care items and supporter donations.


Saturday, Oct. 18: Annual K-9 Krawl

K9 Krawl 5KPublic Safety Headquarters
12099 Government Center Parkway
Fairfax, VA 22035 

9-11 a.m. (check-in begins at 8:30 a.m.)

Lace up your sneakers and bring your four-legged family for this unique opportunity for dog lovers to come together to observe Domestic Violence Awareness Month and bring awareness to the connection between domestic violence and animal cruelty. Registration suggested.


Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025: Silence No More Movement Red Affair Fashion Show


Carashot Conference & Collaboration Center
11493 Sunset Hills Road, Suite 100
Reston, VA 20190
6-9 p.m.

Come to the Sixth Annual Red Affair Fashion Show, a fundraiser by Silence No More Movement featuring the P7 (Powerful Seven) models—community leaders and domestic violence survivors who rehearse for four months to walk the runway with purpose.


Listen to Domestic and Sexual Violence Services’ Podcast

Unscripted

Give a listen to these domestic violence related episodes of Unscripted: Conversations about Sexual and Domestic Violence:

  • Counseling Services Supervisor Kathryn Harlow and Lindsay Carroll, counselor and art therapist with Golden Art Therapy and Counseling, discuss the ways art can heal trauma.
  • ADAPT Supervisor Jennifer Perkins and domestic and sexual violence counselor Lisa Groat explain why someone stays in a violent relationship and why we should never ask someone why they don’t leave.
  • Crisis Response Services Program Manager Andrea Nunes-Gardner and Counseling Supervisor Kathryn Harlow discuss how domestic violence impacts a survivor’s mental health.
  • ADAPT Supervisor Jennifer Perkins and Victims Services Specialist Kacey Kirland chat about the challenges of recognizing and responding to domestic violence.
  • Brittany Vera, child witness to domestic violence coordinator, and Counseling Services Supervisor Kathryn Harlow discuss the ways violence can impact a child’s development.

Back to top

Recent Interactions

    Ask Fairfax

    Terms & Conditions
    Live chat available Search our site

    Related Resources

    • Community Corner
    • Family Services
    • Health and Human Services
    • facebook
    • Translate
    • Awards
    • Site Feedback
    • PRIVACY POLICY & COPYRIGHT
    Main Address

    12000 Government Center Pkwy
    Fairfax, VA 22035

    Phone

    703-324-7329

    TTY 711

    Site Tools
    • Website Accessibility
    • Translate
    • Download Mobile App
    Support
    • ADA Accessibility
    • FOIA Requests
    • Website Administrator
    Additional Resources
    • Fairfax County Public Schools
    • Economic Development Authority
    • Visit Fairfax
    • Council of Governments
    • Commonwealth of Virginia
    • USA.gov
    • Calendar
    • Channel 16
    • Mail
    • Security
    • WIFI
    • Facebook
    • Twitter
    • Instagram
    • YouTube
    • Mobile

    The Official Site of Fairfax County