SAFETY ALERT – If you are in danger, call or text 911.
Domestic and Sexual Violence Services shares information about the division’s services, resources, and support on the County Conversation Podcast.
Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM) is observed every April to raise public awareness about sexual violence, educate our community on how to prevent it, and share resources available to those impacted by this crime. Victoria Nevel-Babla, human trafficking and sexual violence coordinator with Fairfax County’s Domestic and Sexual Violence Services, shared details about SAAM with County Conversation podcast host Jim Person. They also talked about why survivors may not tell anyone about their assault and how DSVS supports these survivors. Listen to their whole conversation.
In Fairfax County, 35% of all homicides have a domestic violence component (on par with Virginia and national statistics). Over the five-year period from 2020-2025, there was a 25% increase in the number of victims of interpersonal violence served. During those same years, calls to the Domestic and Sexual Violence 24-Hour Hotline increased 65%.
This is the type of data the Data Analytics team in Domestic and Sexual Violence Services collects. Sandra McGovern, operations manager in DSVS and the leader of this team, talked to County Conversation podcast host Jim Person about the ways they review data from multiple sources to analyze trends, evaluate outcomes, and identify future focal areas in interpersonal violence.
One way to help prevent domestic violence is to provide tips on crafting healthy relationships, which is what domestic and sexual violence counselor Lisa Groat did with County Conversation host Jim Person. Learn more about some of the green flags that say, “this relationship is safe.”
Domestic and Sexual Violence Services Clinical Services program promotes community health, wellness, and safety by supporting those impacted by sexual violence, domestic violence, intimate partner violence, and stalking. On this episode of the County Conversation podcast, Clinical Services Program Manager Melody Vielbig shared more details about the program with host Jim Person.
On this episode of the County Conversation Podcast, Domestic and Sexual Violence Services Advocacy Services Supervisor Lydia Guirgis talks with County Conversation Podcast host Jim Person about the many ways Advocacy Services uplifts and supports survivors of interpersonal violence.
Getting a protective order can be confusing. On this County Conversation podcast episode, Ayaan Ali, victim advocate with Domestic and Sexual Violence Services’ Advocacy Services, and host Jim Person talk about the protective order process and how advocates stand beside victims to walk them through what can be a challenging time.
The messages we are taught about gender can affect our relationships with ourselves, our loved ones, and the community. On this County Conversation podcast episode, Heather Potter, counselor with Domestic and Sexual Violence Services’ Anger & Domestic Abuse Prevention and Treatment program, and host Jim Person discuss the impact gender roles and stereotypes have on everyone and how this knowledge can help us prevent violence.
On this edition of the County Conversation, host Jim Person talks with Keesha Coke, assistant division director of Domestic and Sexual Violence Services in the Department of Family Services about the ways social workers support survivors of gender-based violence. Check it out.
You can live a happier, healthier life after an assault. Kathryn Harlow, a domestic and sexual violence counselor with Domestic and Sexual Violence Services, tells us how on this edition of the County Conversation Podcast with host Jim Person.
Stacy Ziebell, program manager of the Countywide Coordination Team with Domestic and Sexual Violence Services, joined the County Conversation podcast to discuss human trafficking misconceptions, gaps in service, and resources and support with host Jim Person. Check out their conversation.
Angela Yeboah, advocacy services program manager with Domestic and Sexual Violence Services, discusses the firearms surrender process and the impact of guns on intimate partner violence with County Conversation podcast host Jim Person.
John Crownover, prevention and education coordinator with Domestic and Sexual Violence Services chats about building a culture that embraces healthy masculinity with County Conversation podcast host Jim Person. The pair also discussed engaging men and boys as allies in gender-based violence prevention.
Tanisha Cox, volunteer manager with Domestic and Sexual Violence Services discussed the division's robust volunteer program with County Conversation podcast host Jim Person. For more information about becoming a volunteer for DSVS, contact Tanisha Cox.
Debra Miller, youth education and outreach specialist with Domestic and Sexual Violence Services, discussed the growing trend of stalking among teens with County Conversation podcast host Jim Person. The pair also talked about healthy relationships and other teen programming within DSVS.
Vanessa Cullers, housing and economic specialist with DVAC, the Domestic Violence Action Center, discussed housing and economic support for survivors of intimate partner violence with host Jim Person on this episode of the County Conversation Podcast.
Chris Davies, counseling services supervisor, discussed counseling services in the Domestic and Sexual Violence Services division on the County Conversation podcast with host Jim Person.
