Welcome to the 2024 June 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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My name is Ravinder “Ravi” Singh, and I recently joined the Department of Family Services in the Domestic and Sexual Violence Services (DSVS) division in February 2024 as a management analyst II, focusing on Cross-Division Services. Prior to joining DSVS, I earned my master’s in data analytics from George Mason University, which paved the way for my career in various data-centric roles within the automotive, advertising, and solution provider sectors. My 4+ years of experience have equipped me with a broad skill set, which I am eager to apply and expand here at DSVS. I am particularly looking forward to learning from the distinguished leaders and team members within the organization.
Throughout my career, I have been deeply committed to social service and community engagement. During my college years in India, I volunteered at tribal schools and played a key role in organizing community kitchen services. At DSVS, I aim to leverage my expertise to support various teams, helping them harness data to drive informed decision-making processes.
In my leisure time, I am an avid reader of technology blogs, always keen to stay abreast of the latest technological advancements. I am truly grateful for the opportunity to be a part of such an amazing team at DSVS and am excited about the contributions I can make.
Ravi Singh
Management Analyst II
Cross-Division Services
Studies have found a correlation between reading and mental stimulation and brain function, lower heart rate, decreased blood pressure and stress reduction. In fact, just six minutes of a page-turner is more calming than other de-stressors, such as a cup of tea or listening to music. Learn ways to rediscover reading.
Recently, Domestic and Sexual Violence Services staff Keesha Coke, assistant division director; Andrea Nunes-Gardner, Crisis Response Services program manager; Melody Vielbig, Clinical Services program manager; and Patti Conway, financial specialist in the Department of Family Services, were guests on Dialed In with DCJS Victim Services, a podcast about Virginia’s victim services. On the hour-long episode, they discussed their secrets to successful grant management, the important role collaboration plays in their organizational success, and how they employ strategic planning to stay focused on the impact of their work and to be intentional with the resources DSVS uses and the services it provides.
In honor of Dads, Juneteenth, and Pride—all of which we celebrate this month--we invite you to take a look at this compilation of videos:
- We Need to Change the Conversation about Fathers
- What Is Juneteenth and Why Is It Important?
- A Queer Vision of Love and Marriage
On June 27, 1969, New York police raided Stonewall Inn, a bar located in New York City’s Greenwich Village, well known to the city’s LGBTQIA+ community. Police raids on gay bars were common, and on this night, the growing tensions set off a riot against the brutality and discrimination LGBTQIA+ people were facing. While this was not the first protest of its kind, activist groups, including The Mattachine Society, Gay Activists Alliance, and the Gay Liberation Front, organized a march on the anniversary of the riots with the theme of “Gay Pride.” In the years that followed, other organizations and cities developed pride parades across the country and these celebrations expanded to the entire month of June. President Bill Clinton issued the first proclamation of Pride Month in the United States in 1999. Research shows LGBTQIA+ communities face significant barriers to accessing support when experiencing violence. Learn more about the intersection of interpersonal violence and LGBTQIA+ communities.
Fathers matter. Whether it’s giving his baby a bath, learning how to braid a daughter’s hair, helping with virtual schooling, eating together with family, or cheering from the stands, dads are vital in the upbringing of their children. A father’s influence continues to be important as children grow up. When dads talk with older kids about their daily lives, help them with college and career decisions, and share parenting wisdom with their adult kids, the impact is immeasurable.
Research tells us when dads are involved in the lives of their children, those children tend to be more psychologically and emotionally balanced and tend to have better social skills, higher grades, and stronger parenting skills when they start their own families. When fathers are involved, children are less vulnerable to childhood poverty, substance abuse, juvenile delinquency, and teen pregnancy.
June is Fatherhood Awareness Month, and Fairfax County is taking this opportunity to celebrate fathers.
“I’ve learnt that you shouldn’t go through life with a catcher’s mitt on both hands. You need to be able to throw something back.”–Maya Angelou
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.
Ayuda – Wrap-Around Services for Low-Income Immigrants
Ayuda provides legal, social, and language services to help low-income immigrants access justice. Find out how this nonprofit, one of the 16 partners that works in conjunction with the Domestic Violence Action Center (DVAC), has served more than 150,000 low-income immigrants throughout the Washington, D.C., metropolitan area. Learn more about this partnership.
Domestic and Sexual Violence Services has a podcast, Unscripted: Conversations about Sexual and Domestic Violence. Stay in the know with these biweekly discussions! In observance of awareness months, give a listen to the Dads as Caregivers and the Violence in LGBTQ+ Relationships episodes.
The Troubling Trend in Teenage Sex
Meet Justina Johnson, Hospital Accompaniment Support Advocate & ADAPT Co-Facilitator
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1. Which number should replace the question mark? 
2. To open this safe, you have to replace the question marks with the correct figures. You can find this figure by determining the pattern behind the numbers shown.
3. Which number should replace the question mark to form accurate equations, knowing that three numbers are shown per row (i.e. two of the numbers form a two-digit number)?
Domestic and Sexual Violence Services celebrated the contributions of its volunteer corps on Saturday, May 4, at the Sully Community Center. It was an afternoon of food, fellowship, and fun!