If you're interested in having us conduct a presentation or training, please complete the online request form (at least three weeks prior to the event date). A member of the outreach staff will contact you. If you have not heard from staff within three (3) business days, please contact Angie Acosta.
DSVS' mission is to work with communities to transform society’s response to domestic violence, sexual violence, human trafficking and stalking by challenging oppression, collaborating to inform policy and providing all persons impacted by violence with equitable access to trauma-informed support, advocacy, education and a space for healing. We strive to fulfill requests that fall within the scope of our mission.
Staff are available to present on the following topics.
Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) Interface: Learn about the Adverse Childhood Experiences study and the way ACEs can change our brains as we grow and develop. The impact of ACEs on physical and emotional health will be explored, as well as the connection between domestic violence and the other forms of ACEs. Participants will gain an understanding of how they can contribute to creating healing and resiliency in their communities.
Child Witness to Domestic Violence: Learn about the effects of witnessing domestic violence across the lifespan; its impact on children’s brain development; and implications for cognitive, emotional, and physical development. Through group discussions and video, participants will understand the needs of children and how to support them.
Domestic and Sexual Violence Services Programs and Services: Learn about the division’s approach to domestic and sexual violence services and the partnerships, programs, and services available to people and families experiencing interpersonal violence in Fairfax County.
Domestic Violence 101: Learn the dynamics of domestic violence, how to recognize the ways violence can manifest, barriers to leaving abusive relationships, and how to support someone in a violent relationship.
Human Trafficking 101: Learn how human trafficking is defined, how to support survivors, and the intersection of trafficking with other forms of sexual and domestic violence. This training also discusses available resources to address the unique needs and barriers faced by people impacted by human trafficking in Fairfax County.
Parenting through Domestic Violence: This training is for professionals serving children and families who are affected by domestic violence. Participants will gain an understanding of the ways in which domestic violence influences family dynamics while couples are together and as they separate. Special attention will be paid to the manner in which a child’s attachment to each parent is impacted and the dilemma and challenges children face in developing relationships with both the survivor and offender parent.
Stalking 101: Get a basic overview of stalking, focusing on the definition, recognizing the contextual nature of this crime, and providing strategies for participants to get involved in building awareness and supporting victims and survivors. This curriculum was developed by the Stalking Prevention, Awareness and Resource Center (SPARC).
Supporting Parents and Children Experiencing Domestic Violence: This training is for professionals who serve children and families affected domestic violence. Participants will learn about the trauma of domestic violence, how it impacts brain function and development, and the ways in which the trauma might manifest in children’s behavior. Participants will gain tools to talk to parents about how domestic violence impacts children’s development and how to address children’s behavior using a trauma informed approach.
Talking with Children about Consent: Learn how to help children and adolescents understand and communicate about consent. Topics covered include age-appropriate ways to talk to children about practicing consent, respecting others, and how to ask for help.
Teen Dating Violence 101: Learn the dynamics of teen dating violence and how to help young people experiencing it. This workshop can be provided for teens, parents and caregivers, or youth-serving professionals.
The HYPE (Healthy Youth Prevention Education) Project: Learn from this youth-focused, 8-session curriculum that teaches participants about intimate partner violence and sexual assault prevention. Through hands-on activities, multimedia, role-play exercises and facilitated discussions; teens will have opportunities to examine various elements of relationships and develop skills to identify and replicate healthy dynamics in interpersonal interactions. Topics are also available as standalone workshops; the topics are the following:
- Teen Dating Violence 101
- Why Do People Stay
- Bystander Intervention
- Healthy Sexuality and Sexual Assault
- Gender 101
- Masculinity and Femininity
- Values
- Self-esteem and Jealousy
- Communication
Understanding Sexual Violence: Learn how to define and identify sexual violence in different forms and understand key concepts, including consent, coercion, trauma, and victim blaming. The training also discusses how individuals can support people who have experienced sexual violence and what services are available to them and their loved ones in Fairfax County.
Unpacking Gender: Learn about and explore the messages we are taught about gender and how they can affect our relationships with ourselves, loved ones, and our community. Participants in this training will talk about the impact gender roles and stereotypes have on everyone and how this knowledge can help prevent sexual and domestic violence.
SAFETY ALERT – If you are in danger, call or text 911.
The Department of Family Services' Domestic and Sexual Violence Services (DSVS) is committed to raising awareness throughout Fairfax County about domestic violence, sexual violence, stalking and human trafficking.