(Posted 2022 December)
Meet Marjorie Braxton, Hotline Volunteer
How long have you been volunteering? How long have you held this role in Fairfax County?
I’ve been a volunteer for DSVS since 2019. I’m currently a hotline volunteer, and I support the hotline on Tuesdays.
Why volunteer? Why volunteer for this specific program?
For me, volunteering is a way to get involved in my community. Domestic and Sexual Violence Services was my first choice for a volunteer opportunity because it has always been a personal passion of mine. I want victims to know they’re not alone and there are many resources and support so they don’t have to live in fear.
Talk about how you overcome the most challenging parts of volunteering.
I simply put myself in the caller’s shoes. I work full time, and there are times when I had a stressful day at work and I didn’t feel like taking my shift. But I would say to myself, "It’s not about me; it's about the commitment I made when I signed up as a Fairfax County Domestic Sexual Violence Services Hotline Volunteer.” If the information I provide to the callers will help them, encourage them, or push someone to get out of their situation, this makes me feel good on the inside.
What’s the best part of volunteering? Share your most memorable experience.
The best part of volunteering for me is hearing the relief in the caller’s voice when I say we are here to help, and everything is going to work out for you. I can tell you providing the callers with telephone numbers makes a big difference in the tone of their voices. A memorable experience for me was a caller who was in the military and had just gotten a call from their spouse, threatening to come to town and inflict harm. The military would not help. From time to time since she called the hotline, she will call me [on the Domestic and Sexual Violence 24-Hour Hotline] to let me know she and her children are doing fine with the new changes.
What has been your favorite training? What did you like about it? What did you learn?
I would say my favorite training was Tier One. This training let me know I was on my way to helping and giving back to my community for a passion that’s very dear to me. The training to follow was Hotline Training and Hospital Accompaniment Support Advocate, which were all my favorites. Learning how to de-stress callers and listening to the role-playing with Lynne and Ara, our crisis line team members, was amazing. I must admit that each training session I’ve taken let me know I made the right decision to become a volunteer.
What advice do you have for people who may be thinking about becoming a DSVS volunteer?
If you care about people and have empathy for people, especially those who are abused or just need an ear and you want to give back, think about becoming a volunteer. You'll get the best training, and you’ll feel good about your decision to do so.
What do you wish you could do more of as a volunteer?
I wish that I could give administrative support, but my full-time job will not allow me to do so. Once I retire, I plan on giving more of my time to volunteering.
This article posting is part of the Domestic and Sexual Violence Services' Volunteer Voices monthly newsletter for current and potential volunteers. If you're not already a volunteer, learn how to get involved. Find out about upcoming trainings, volunteer trainings, happenings around the DSVS office and information about articles, books, media recommendations and more.
Learn more about the Domestic and Sexual Violence Services (DSVS).