Welcome to the 2023 February 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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Hi, Volunteers:
My name is Lorena Hunter, and I’ve been working with Domestic and Sexual Violence Services since August 2022, first as a victim advocate at the Domestic Violence Action Center, and now as a domestic and sexual violence counselor in Clinical Services (though I’ve worked for the county for eight years). I first learned about DSVS' work in 2017 while interning with the counseling team as a domestic violence counselor. This is where my love for the work we do first began. I want to thank everyone for volunteering and being a part of the DSVS team! Your dedication and time to our team and, most importantly, our clients are appreciated! Outside of work, I enjoy spending time binge watching my favorite reality TV shows (“Real Housewives” and “90 Day Fiancé,” lol), spending quality time with my family and friends, and playing in makeup.
I look forward to working with all of you, and remember, self-care is the best care!
Lorena Hunter
Domestic and Sexual Violence Counselor
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Did you dive headfirst into 2023? Or as society continues its “speed it up; do it now!” trend, are you longing for hibernation? Check out these reads with ideas for how to be more intentional about your self-care habits.
Domestic and Sexual Violence Services works 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 everybody impacted by violence with equitable access to trauma-informed support, advocacy, education, and a space for healing. Check out this article about the value of working with Fairfax County Domestic and Sexual Violence Division.
Dating violence is a pattern of harmful behaviors that can be used to exert power and control over a dating partner. Many teens experience some form of intimate partner violence even before graduating from high school. The purpose of Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month is to raise public awareness about the impact of dating violence on youth, educate young people about healthy relationships, and encourage the community to get involved to disrupt cycles of violence among teens. Learn more about how Fairfax County is observing Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month.
TED Talk: Ending Domestic and Sexual Violence – Engaging Kids to Create a New Normal
“To help prevent domestic and sexual violence, we need to give our kids the tools to build healthy relationships from a young age. This means starting in elementary school with peer interactions and continuing through the teen years when the conversations need to include the impact of pornography on sex, relationships and consent. We can change and grow as a society when we do the work, and with all the conflicting messages and external forces in kids’ lives, there has never been a better time nor a more urgent need than now,” says Jane Randel, social impact adviser and co-founder of Karp Randel and NO MORE. Find out how she suggests we address this issue in this TED Talk.
“Life isn't about getting and having, it's about giving and being.” – Kevin Kruse
The Domestic Violence Action Center, or DVAC, partners with Shelter House and Bethany House to provide a secure environment, including advocacy, emotional support, case management, court accompaniment, financial assistance, and transportation assistance, to victims of domestic violence, stalking, and human trafficking. Learn more about 
Meet Members of the Teen Advocates Program
Since 2021, Sartaj Dhami, has donated more than $7,000 worth of gift cards to DSVS in honor of his sister, Amarpreet “Amy” Kaur Dhami. Amy, born and raised in Fairfax County, devoted her life to helping victims of sexual abuse in the New York City area. Amy also authored Ajooni the Kaurageous: Ajooni Stands Up to the Dragon, which teaches children about confidence and strength. Unfortunately, she passed away from cancer at 38. 
