Department of Family Services – Domestic and Sexual Violence Services

Fairfax County, Virginia

CONTACT INFORMATION: Monday–Friday 8 a.m.–4:30 p.m.

703-324-5730
TTY 711

DFSinfo@fairfaxcounty.gov

12011 Government Center Parkway, Pennino Building, Floor 7, Suite 740
Fairfax, VA 22035

Toni Zollicoffer,
Director

Department Resources

Related Resources

Step Up 4 Kids - Community Engagement Toolkit

Step Up 4 Kids began when county officials realized that seeing domestic violence at any age can affect a child for the rest of their lives. Children may not have the words to tell adults how the violence in their house explains how they act. Fairfax County understands it is important for county services, schools and nonprofits to work together to meet the needs of children impacted by domestic violence.

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In Facebook posts, please tag us @FairfaxCountyFamilyServices. This helps people to quickly and conveniently connect with us.

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Step Up 4 Kids

Talking Points

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Kids who witness domestic violence are more likely to use drugs and alcohol, run away from home, act out in school, or come into contact with law enforcement. Caring adults can interrupt this cycle and help these children heal by letting them know you are there for them and you are listening. https://bit.ly/2WHIyoh #StepUp4Kids #FairfaxCountyFamilyServices

Kids can be used by an abusive parent or caregiver to hurt a victim of domestic violence. https://bit.ly/2WHIyoh #StepUp4Kids #FairfaxCountyFamilyServices

No one is too young to be impacted by domestic violence—even babies. Infant brains are still developing and are easily changed by events and emotions around them. https://bit.ly/2WHIyoh #StepUp4Kids #FairfaxCountyFamilyServices

Children who experience domestic violence are more likely to grow up to become victims of violence or use violence in intimate relationships. https://bit.ly/2WHIyoh #StepUp4Kids #FairfaxCountyFamilyServices

Caring adults, including teachers, coaches and other caregivers, play an important role in helping a child heal after witnessing domestic violence. Helping a child find things they are good at doing, teaching a child how to solve conflict without violence and letting a child know adults still care even when the child fails are all ways to help the healing process. https://bit.ly/2WHIyoh #StepUp4Kids #FairfaxCountyFamilyServices

Children exposed to violence and trauma exhibit significantly higher levels of emotional and behavioral problems than their non-exposed peers. Witnessing or experiencing violence has been linked to lower grade-point averages, more negative remarks in their cumulative records, and more reported absences from school than other students. https://bit.ly/2WHIyoh #StepUp4Kids #FairfaxCountyFamilyServices

15.5 million children in the United States live in families in which partner violence occurred at least once in the past year, and 7 million children live in families in which severe partner violence occurred. https://bit.ly/2WHIyoh #StepUp4Kids #FairfaxCountyFamilyServices

Graphics - Step Up 4 Kids

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In Facebook posts, please tag us @FairfaxCountyFamilyServices. This helps people to quickly and conveniently connect with us.

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Messages and Graphics - Campaign - Facebook, Twitter

Messages

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Graphics

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In Facebook posts, please tag us @FairfaxCountyFamilyServices. This helps people to quickly and conveniently connect with us.

Note: Each message is tailored to the accompanying graphic.

Facebook
"I can’t be soothed when I cry because one adult in my home is afraid of the other. I may be less likely to explore because I am afraid." Domestic violence can follow kids for a lifetime. You can help! Provide consistent comfort, stability and routine to an infant. #StepUp4Kids https://bit.ly/3bxo9b9 #FairfaxCountyFamilyServices

Twitter
Domestic violence can follow kids for a lifetime. Babies can’t be soothed when they cry because one adult in the home is afraid of the other. #StepUp4Kids https://bit.ly/3bxo9b9

Facebook
"I hit my classmates because I see adults using physical violence at home. I am more likely to be a victim or use violence in the future." Domestic violence can follow kids for a lifetime. Help a child learn how to resolve conflict without violence. #StepUp4Kids https://bit.ly/3bxo9b9 #FairfaxCountyFamilyServices

Twitter
"I hit my classmates because I see adults using physical violence at home." Domestic violence can follow kids for a lifetime. #StepUp4Kids https://bit.ly/3bxo9b9

Facebook
"I fall asleep in class because I hear my parents yelling at night. Because of violence, I am more likely to use substances in the future." Domestic violence can follow kids for a lifetime. You can help! Talk with youth about their home life. #StepUp4Kids https://bit.ly/3bxo9b9 #FairfaxCountyFamilyServices

Twitter
"I fall asleep in class because I hear my parents yelling at night." Domestic violence can follow kids for a lifetime. #StepUp4Kids https://bit.ly/3bxo9b9

Facebook
"I outperform on the athletic field because I’m afraid of being in trouble if I fail. I am more likely to experience anxiety or depression now or in the future." Domestic violence can follow kids for a lifetime. You can help! Help a youth learn to manage disappointment. #StepUp4Kids https://bit.ly/3bxo9b9 #FairfaxCountyFamilyServices

Twitter
"I am more likely to experience anxiety or depression as I grow into an adult." Domestic violence can follow kids for a lifetime. #StepUp4Kids https://bit.ly/3bxo9b9

Facebook
"I outperform on the athletic field because I’m afraid of being in trouble if I fail. I am more likely to experience anxiety or depression now or in the future." Domestic violence can follow kids for a lifetime. Help a youth learn to manage disappointment. #StepUp4Kids https://bit.ly/3bxo9b9 #FairfaxCountyFamilyServices

Twitter
"I outperform on the athletic field because I’m afraid of being in trouble if I fail." Domestic violence can follow kids for a lifetime. #StepUp4Kids https://bit.ly/3bxo9b9

Messages and Photos - Campaign - Facebook, Twitter

Messages

Follow these quick and easy steps to copy a message and post it along with one of the graphics.

Highlight the text.
Right-click and select copy.
Paste the text into your post.

Graphics

Follow these quick and easy steps to download a file to your computer:

Click on the graphic.
After it opens, right-click on the graphic and select to save the file.

In Facebook posts, please tag us @FairfaxCountyFamilyServices. This helps people to quickly and conveniently connect with us.

Note: Each Facebook message is tailored to the accompanying graphic.

Twitter
Domestic violence can follow kids for a lifetime. Babies can’t be soothed when they cry because one adult in the home is afraid of the other. #StepUp4Kids https://bit.ly/3bxo9b9

Facebook
"I hit my classmates because I see adults using physical violence at home. I am more likely to be a victim or use violence in the future." Domestic violence can follow kids for a lifetime. You can help! Help a child learn how to resolve conflict without violence. #StepUp4Kids https://bit.ly/3bxo9b9 #FairfaxCountyFamilyServices

Twitter
"I hit my classmates because I see adults using physical violence at home." Domestic violence can follow kids for a lifetime. #StepUp4Kids https://bit.ly/3bxo9b9

Twitter
"I fall asleep in class because I hear my parents yelling at night." Domestic violence can follow kids for a lifetime. #StepUp4Kids https://bit.ly/3bxo9b9

Facebook
"I outperform on the athletic field because I’m afraid of being in trouble if I fail. I am more likely to experience anxiety or depression now or in the future." Domestic violence can follow kids for a lifetime. Help a youth learn to manage disappointment. #StepUp4Kids https://bit.ly/3bxo9b9 #FairfaxCountyFamilyServices

Twitter
"I outperform on the athletic field because I’m afraid of being in trouble if I fail." Domestic violence can follow kids for a lifetime. #StepUp4Kids https://bit.ly/3bxo9b9

Facebook
"I outperform on the athletic field because I’m afraid of being in trouble if I fail. I am more likely to experience anxiety or depression now or in the future." Domestic violence can follow kids for a lifetime. Help a youth learn to manage disappointment. #StepUp4Kids https://bit.ly/3bxo9b9 #FairfaxCountyFamilyServices

Twitter
"I am more likely to experience anxiety or depression as I grow into an adult." Domestic violence can follow kids for a lifetime. #StepUp4Kids https://bit.ly/3bxo9b9

Messages and Graphics - Facebook

Messages

Follow these quick and easy steps to copy a message and post it along with one of the graphics.

Highlight the text.
Right-click and select copy.
Paste the text into your post.

In Facebook posts, please tag us @FairfaxCountyFamilyServices. This helps people to quickly and conveniently connect with us.

Kids experience #DomesticViolence by hearing, seeing or getting in the middle of violence. Kids can also see a victim’s reaction to the violence or may live in fear for themselves or a parent. To learn more about how children experience violence and how you can help, visit https://bit.ly/3bxo9b9 or call the Fairfax County Domestic and Sexual Violence 24-Hour Hotline: 703-360-7273. #StepUp4Kids #MakeADifferenceForAChild #FairfaxCountyFamilyServices

In homes where there is #DomesticViolence, children are often used to control or cause fear to a domestic violence victim. Kids who experience domestic violence in their home are much more likely to experience other forms of physical, sexual or emotional abuse or neglect. To find out more about how children experience violence and how you can help, visit https://bit.ly/3bxo9b9. If you are experiencing violence, or are worried about someone, call the Fairfax County Domestic and Sexual Violence 24-Hour Hotline: 703-360-7273. #StepUp4Kids #MakeADifferenceForAChild #FairfaxCountyFamilyServices

Infants can be affected by #DomesticViolence, too. Infant brains are still developing and are more easily changed by the events and emotions around them. Scary experiences can change how they relate to family, friends and the world around them as they grow. Learn more: https://bit.ly/3bxo9b9. If you are experiencing violence, or are worried about someone, call the Fairfax County Domestic and Sexual Violence 24-Hour Hotline: 703-360-7273. #StepUp4Kids #MakeADifferenceForAChild #FairfaxCountyFamilyServices

Graphics

Follow these quick and easy steps to download a file to your computer:

Click on the graphic.
After it opens, right-click on the graphic and select to save the file.

In Facebook posts, please tag us @FairfaxCountyFamilyServices. This helps people to quickly and conveniently connect with us.

Messages and Graphics - Twitter, Instagram

Messages

Follow these quick and easy steps to copy a message and post it along with one of the graphics.

Highlight the text.
Right-click and select copy.
Paste the text into your post.

Kids experience #DomesticViolence by hearing, seeing or getting in the middle of violence. For more, visit https://bit.ly/3bxo9b9. #StepUp4Kids #FairfaxCountyFamilyServices

Kids who experience #DomesticViolence at home are more likely to experience other forms of physical, sexual or emotional abuse. Learn more: https://bit.ly/3bxo9b9. #StepUp4Kids #FairfaxCountyFamilyServices

Infants can be affected by #DomesticViolence, too. Their brains are more easily changed by events and emotions around them. Learn more: https://bit.ly/3bxo9b9 #StepUp4Kids #FairfaxCountyFamilyServices

Graphics

Follow these quick and easy steps to download a file to your computer:

Click on the graphic.
After it opens, right-click on the graphic and select to save the file.

Messages and Graphic - Facebook

Messages

baby crawling and toddler walking away Follow these quick and easy steps to copy a message and post it along with one of the graphics.

Highlight the text.
Right-click and select copy.
Paste the text into your post.

In Facebook posts, please tag us @FairfaxCountyFamilyServices. This helps people to quickly and conveniently connect with us.

If you are a parent living in a home where there is #DomesticViolence, you have an important role in helping your child heal. If you are a survivor of domestic violence, talk to your children about how they feel about the violence without minimizing what they say. If you have used violence in the home, take responsibility for your actions and commit to making better choices in relationships with your family. To learn how you can support your child, visit: https://bit.ly/2PCRJlY. Domestic and Sexual Violence Services offers support to survivors and partners who have used violence. To learn more about how to access services, or how you can help your child, call the Fairfax County Domestic and Sexual Violence 24-Hour Hotline: 703-360-7273. #StepUp4Kids #MakeADifferenceForAChild #FairfaxCountyFamilyServices

If you and your children live with #DomesticViolence, you can help your child feel safe after a scary event. Find an activity your child enjoys, such as reading a book, playing a game, or taking a walk. Ask your child how they feel about what happened, and help them name feelings like sad, mad or scared. Recognize your child might have a hard time transitioning to usually familiar places, like school or daycare, after a scary incident at home. If you can, let supportive people who work with your child know they might need a little extra care. To learn more, visit: https://bit.ly/2PCRJlY. Domestic and Sexual Violence Services offers support to survivors and partners who have used violence. To access services, call the Fairfax County Domestic and Sexual Violence 24-Hour Hotline: 703-360-7273. #StepUp4Kids #MakeADifferenceForAChild #FairfaxCountyFamilyServices

Graphic

Follow these quick and easy steps to download a file to your computer:

Click on the graphic.
After it opens, right-click on the graphic and select to save the file.

In Facebook posts, please tag us @FairfaxCountyFamilyServices. This helps people to quickly and conveniently connect with us.

Messages and Graphics - Twitter, Instagram

Messages

baby crawling and toddler walking away Follow these quick and easy steps to copy a message and post it along with one of the graphics.

Highlight the text.
Right-click and select copy.
Paste the text into your post.

Step Up 4 Kids. Learn how you can make a difference for children who have witnessed domestic violence https://bit.ly/3bxo9b9 or call the Domestic and Sexual Violence 24-Hour Hotline: 703-360-7273.

Step Up 4 Kids. Domestic violence call follow kids for a lifetime. Learn more about how you can help https://bit.ly/3bxo9b9 or call the Domestic and Sexual Violence 24-Hour Hotline: 703-360-7273.

Graphics

Follow these quick and easy steps to download a file to your computer:

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After it opens, right-click on the graphic and select to save the file.

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youth wearing backpacks and running down hallway Follow these quick and easy steps to copy a message and post it along with one of the graphics.

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In Facebook posts, please tag us @FairfaxCountyFamilyServices. This helps people to quickly and conveniently connect with us.

Coaches, teachers and other caring adults concerned about a child they know can help by finding things a child is good at doing, teaching a child how to solve conflict and letting children know they still care even when children fail. To learn more about how to help a child who may be experiencing domestic violence, visit: https://bit.ly/3bxo9b9. Concerned about a child you know? Learn how you can help by calling the Fairfax County Domestic and Sexual Violence 24-Hour Hotline: 703-360-7273. #StepUp4Kids #MakeADifferenceForAChild #FairfaxCountyFamilyServices

If a child you know has disclosed there is #DomesticViolence in their home, you can help. Let the child know what is happening is not their fault or their problem to fix. Tell the child you care and they are important to you. Find ways that feel safe to the child to stay in touch, such as texting, phone calls, or check-ins if they are with you regularly. To learn more, visit: https://bit.ly/3bxo9b9 or call the Fairfax County Domestic and Sexual Violence 24-Hour Hotline: 703-360-7273. #StepUp4Kids #MakeADifferenceForAChild #FairfaxCountyFamilyServices

Graphic

Follow these quick and easy steps to download a file to your computer:

Click on the graphic.
After it opens, right-click on the graphic and select to save the file.

Messages and Graphics - Twitter, Instagram

Messages

youth wearing backpacks and running down hallway Follow these quick and easy steps to copy a message and post it along with one of the graphics.

Highlight the text.
Right-click and select copy.
Paste the text into your post.

Step Up 4 Kids. Learn how you can make a difference for children who have witnessed domestic violence https://bit.ly/3bxo9b9 or call the Domestic and Sexual Violence 24-Hour Hotline: 703-360-7273.

Step Up 4 Kids. Domestic violence call follow kids for a lifetime. Learn more about how you can help https://bit.ly/3bxo9b9 or call the Domestic and Sexual Violence 24-Hour Hotline: 703-360-7273.

Graphics

Follow these quick and easy steps to download a file to your computer:

Click on the graphic.
After it opens, right-click on the graphic and select to save the file.

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youth playing volleyball Follow these quick and easy steps to copy a message and post it along with one of the graphics.

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In Facebook posts, please tag us @FairfaxCountyFamilyServices. This helps people to quickly and conveniently connect with us.

DYK: Kids experience #domesticviolence by hearing, seeing or getting in the middle of violence. Kids can also see a victim’s reaction to the violence or may live in fear for themselves or a parent. Kids don’t forget about the violence after it’s over, and it can affect them on and off the athletic field, and can even affect their performance because they are worried about their home life. As a coach and positive role model in a child’s life, you play an important role! Learn more about how children experience violence and how you can help a child https://bit.ly/3fT9pVf. If you think a child you coach might be witnessing violence, call the Fairfax County Domestic and Sexual Violence 24-Hour Hotline: 703-360-7273. #StepUp4Kids #FairfaxCountyFamilyServices

Children who experience #domesticviolence may have difficulty on the athletic field because of the violence. They may be harder on their performance than they usually are, or they might seem like they are backsliding in their skills. They may also be afraid to fail. Make a difference in the life of a child you care for by giving them a listening ear, letting them talk about how they feel, and letting them know you are there to help. Learn more about ways coaches can help a child who may be experiencing domestic violence https://bit.ly/3fT9pVf. If a child you coach might be witnessing domestic violence, please call the Fairfax County Domestic and Sexual Violence 24-Hour Hotline: 703-360-7273. #StepUp4Kids #FairfaxCountyFamilyServices

Coaches are even more important when a child is witnessing #domesticviolence in their home. They teach children problem solving, leadership, collaboration, teamwork and positive self-esteem. These skills are critical for a child who witnesses domestic violence. To learn more about how coaches can help https://bit.ly/3fT9pVf. Concerned about a child you know? Calling the Fairfax County Domestic and Sexual Violence 24-Hour Hotline: 703-360-7273. #StepUp4Kids #FairfaxCountyFamilyServices

Graphic

Follow these quick and easy steps to download a file to your computer:

Click on the graphic.
After it opens, right-click on the graphic and select to save the file.

Messages and Graphics - Twitter, Instagram

Messages

youth playing volleyball Follow these quick and easy steps to copy a message and post it along with one of the graphics.

Highlight the text.
Right-click and select copy.
Paste the text into your post.

Step Up 4 Kids. Learn how you can make a difference for children who have witnessed domestic violence https://bit.ly/3bxo9b9 or call the Domestic and Sexual Violence 24-Hour Hotline: 703-360-7273.

Step Up 4 Kids. Domestic violence call follow kids for a lifetime. Learn more about how you can help https://bit.ly/3bxo9b9 or call the Domestic and Sexual Violence 24-Hour Hotline: 703-360-7273.

Graphics

Follow these quick and easy steps to download a file to your computer:

Click on the graphic.
After it opens, right-click on the graphic and select to save the file.

Twitter

Instagram

Messages and Graphic - Facebook

Messages

adult reading to young children Follow these quick and easy steps to copy a message and post it along with one of the graphics.

Highlight the text.
Right-click and select copy.
Paste the text into your post.

In Facebook posts, please tag us @FairfaxCountyFamilyServices. This helps people to quickly and conveniently connect with us.

Children who experience #DomesticViolence are more likely to grow up to become victims of violence or use violence in intimate relationships. But children can grow and heal from violence with help from lots of different people. To learn more about how you can help a child, visit: https://bit.ly/3bxo9b9. If you are experiencing violence or want to help a child who might be experiencing domestic violence, call the Fairfax County Domestic and Sexual Violence 24-Hour Hotline: 703-360-7273. #StepUp4Kids #MakeADifferenceForAChild #FairfaxCountyFamilyServices

Children who experience #DomesticViolence may have difficulty sleeping or display aggression, anxiety, sadness or low self-esteem. They may blame themselves or feel guilty for things they didn’t do or cause. To learn more about ways to help a child who may be experiencing domestic violence, visit: https://bit.ly/3bxo9b9. Or call the Fairfax County Domestic and Sexual Violence 24-Hour Hotline: 703-360-7273. #StepUp4Kids #MakeADifferenceForAChild #FairfaxCountyFamilyServices

Children who experience #DomesticViolence are more likely to use drugs and alcohol, run away, act out in school, or come into contact with law enforcement. These behaviors are often a cry for help. Caring adults can help interrupt this cycle. The more caring adults involved in a child’s life, the more likely the child is to be successful at school and in relationships with others. To learn more about how you can support a child, visit: https://bit.ly/3bxo9b9 If you want to know how to help a child experiencing domestic violence, please call the Fairfax County Domestic and Sexual Violence 24-Hour Hotline: 703-360-7273. #StepUp4Kids #MakeADifferenceForAChild #FairfaxCountyFamilyServices

Graphic

Follow these quick and easy steps to download a file to your computer:

Click on the graphic.
After it opens, right-click on the graphic and select to save the file.

Messages and Graphics - Twitter, Instagram

Messages

adult reading to young children Follow these quick and easy steps to copy a message and post it along with one of the graphics.

Highlight the text.
Right-click and select copy.
Paste the text into your post.

Step Up 4 Kids. Learn how you can make a difference for children who have witnessed domestic violence https://bit.ly/3bxo9b9 or call the Domestic and Sexual Violence 24-Hour Hotline: 703-360-7273.

Step Up 4 Kids. Domestic violence call follow kids for a lifetime. Learn more about how you can help https://bit.ly/3bxo9b9 or call the Domestic and Sexual Violence 24-Hour Hotline: 703-360-7273.

Children who experience #DomesticViolence are more likely to grow up to become victims of violence or use violence in intimate relationships. To learn more: https://bit.ly/3bxo9b9 #StepUp4Kids #FairfaxCountyFamilyServices

Children who experience #DomesticViolence may have difficulty sleeping or display aggression, anxiety, sadness or low self-esteem. To learn more: https://bit.ly/3bxo9b9 #StepUp4Kids #FairfaxCountyFamilyServices

Children who experience #DomesticViolence are more likely to use drugs and alcohol, run away, act out in school, or come into contact with law enforcement. Learn more: https://bit.ly/3bxo9b9 #StepUp4Kids #FairfaxCountyFamilyServices

Graphics

Follow these quick and easy steps to download a file to your computer:

Click on the graphic.
After it opens, right-click on the graphic and select to save the file.

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