Welcome to the 2025 October issue of Volunteer Voices, a monthly newsletter for current and potential Domestic and Sexual Violence Services (DSVS) volunteers.
In this Issue:
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Hello! My name is Simrat Grewal, and I recently joined Domestic and Sexual Violence Services (DSVS) as a management analyst. I am excited to contribute to the important work that supports DSVS’ mission through data collection, analysis, and reporting. Before joining Fairfax County, I worked in childcare for several years, which strengthened my ability to listen, adapt, and connect with people–skills that continue to serve me well in my current position.
My passion for the analysis field began during my internship with the Fairfax County Police Department, where I learned the essential functions of crime analysts and saw firsthand how their work informs decision-making and improves community safety. I also had the opportunity to shadow various specialty units, including Child Exploitation, Sex Crimes, and Domestic Violence. The most impactful part of my internship was the time I spent with a Victim Services Advocate. Seeing the compassion, dedication, and resilience required to support survivors highlighted the human side of the justice system and reinforced my commitment to pursue a career where data analysis can drive meaningful, people-centered change. That experience inspired me to deepen my understanding and pursue a master’s degree in criminal justice, with a concentration in data analysis.
I’ve had the pleasure of meeting some of the dedicated volunteers at DSVS, and it’s clear their compassion and commitment play a vital role in supporting our mission and serving the community. Thank you for all you do!
Outside of work, I enjoy running, hiking, and discovering new food/coffee spots–recommendations are always welcome! I believe balance is important, and exploring nature is one of the best ways to recharge.
I’m grateful to be part of such an important mission and look forward to working alongside you all!
Simrat Grewal
Management Analyst I
When we center our own care, we show up whole, grounded, and restored to be able to support survivors. Or as the late writer and poet Audre Lorde said: “Caring for myself is not self-indulgence, it is self-preservation, and that is an act of political warfare.”
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. Get more information about this form of interpersonal violence and the ways in which Domestic and Sexual Violence Services observes DVAM. And find out how you can help raise awareness about domestic violence through social media.
Quilting and art have long been integral to the movement to end sexual and domestic violence. 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. Find out how to host your own event or join one in the community.
This month is Domestic Violence Awareness Month; it’s an important time where staff and volunteers within DSVS and the broader Fairfax County community work extensively to spread awareness and participate in additional prevention programming. See these talks about domestic violence and why all individuals need to unite to speak up to address the issue: The Power of Speaking Up about Domestic Abuse; Jackson Katz: Violence Against Women—It's a Men's Issue
The DSVS vision to create peaceful, thriving, powerful communities where all people are safe and free from oppression, fear, and violence is a lofty goal–and we cannot do it alone! That is why awareness months are so important. Watch this talk about the importance of community in achieving goals: The Power of Community to Help You Achieve Your Goals.
“Oh the wonderful way you’ll feel, you hear? If you just go out and volunteer … A bird … a worm … a guzzle-bivvit, could all use some help if you’ll just give it. You might say, ‘No! Not I! No way! I’ve nothing to give—not today anyway.’ But you’ll see if you look deep inside of you, you’ve lots to give! It’s true! You do!” – Dr. Seuss
Volunteer Community Partnership Network Provides Space for All Family Services Volunteers
The Department of Family Services Volunteer and Community Partnership Network, or VCPN, is in its tenth year of existence. The network brings together all DFS division volunteer coordinators to better manage the disparate volunteer programs in the agency, as well as provide support for each other. Recently Volunteer Voices sat down with Nadia Hoonan, Volunteer Solutions partnership coordinator and VCPN co-chair, to talk about how the network operates. This is an excerpt from that conversation.
Each newsletter will include this section to help share reviews, spotlight the people who support Domestic and Sexual Violence Services, recognize birthdays and list upcoming trainings and meetings.
Domestic and Sexual Violence Services’ podcast, Unscripted: Conversations about Sexual and Domestic Violence, is real talk on tough topics! Stay in the know with these biweekly discussions. If you have ideas for topics you’d like to hear addressed on Unscripted, email them to DSVS’ communications specialist Kendra Lee.
“In the past five years, due to news stories and the media in general, domestic violence has become a focus. I came to the realization that being safe in home and work environments was nothing to take for granted and was bothered by the fact that so many people did not have that basic comfort,” says Hotline volunteer Lynne Shapiro. “As I was searching one day on the Fairfax County volunteer website, I came upon the DSVS opportunities. It immediately lit up for me as something I needed to look into.” 
Adolescence is a Netflix limited series focused on the murder of a young girl, Katie, in Liverpool, England, where the prime suspect is one of her classmates, a 13-year-old boy, Jamie. The series explores themes of gender, innocence, culture, and violence. This is part one of a four-part media review where we will dive into each episode’s commentary around violent culture, how it intersects with gender, and how gender-based violence affects a community.
Over 29,000 dedicated volunteers engage in volunteering for Fairfax County, contributing an estimated value of at least $14.4 million annually!
Domestic Violence Awareness Month was first observed in 1981. Read more about the history of domestic violence as well as the intersection of domestic violence and other public services in 
Preparation for our Tier 1 trainings would be a lot more difficult without the help of our administrative volunteers. Here, Tarun Ramesh puts together Sexual Violence Tier 1 packets.