Welcome to the 2025 January 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 and namaste! My name is Tulsi Shrivastava, and I began as a statistical and data specialist II within the Data Analytics Unit of the Department of Family Services (DFS) in June 2024. I support all divisions of DFS, with a special focus on the data needs of Domestic and Sexual Violence Services (DSVS) and the Children’s Services Act. My goal is to make data exploration more accessible for those on the frontlines of social welfare, so we can improve outcomes for vulnerable populations.
The number one factor in my career pursuit was always choosing a purpose-driven field that aligns with my values. As a daughter of immigrants and a minority in a small Pennsylvania town, I grew up witnessing various gender, racial, and economic inequities around me. Listening to powerful stories told by the diverse set of women I knew and connecting to the struggles of those both alike and different from me further fueled my passion for public service. With a background in mathematics, I started out my career in education software, building reporting for schools across the country and learning more about systemic barriers that prevent progress. Soon, I found my way to George Mason University to pursue my master's in data analytics engineering, where I had the opportunity to conduct research aimed at supporting individuals with disabilities. Upon graduation in May 2024, I felt extremely fortunate to be able to put my skills to work in Fairfax County and contribute to shaping the lives of people in our community.
I truly believe the incredible work and dedication of volunteers can never be overstated. Whether it be organizing a large service project, navigating a victim through crisis, or simply offering a listening ear to someone who needs help, the difference one single person can make with their compassion is monumental. The ripple effect of the time our volunteer team contributes not only benefits those most in need but also builds the structural resilience of our larger community, which is often reflected in the data we analyze. Learning about our DSVS volunteers these past few months has reinforced that understanding and highlighted the critical role these heroes play in helping us fulfill our DSVS mission.
When I'm not crunching numbers, you can find me choreographing Indian dances, engaging in community service events, or doodling my time away with an unending list of art and design projects. Also, I'm always ready to talk about all things cinema—whether it’s a classic Bollywood flick, the latest Oscar nomination, or a hidden gem you love!
Tulsi Shrivastava
Data Analytics Team
A new year means most of us make resolutions we don’t keep. And then we beat ourselves up for failing. Instead of the tried and true this year, choose small acts of self-care each day and build up to healthy habits. Find out how with these six tips.
DSVS’ volunteers are always busy—volunteering, training, networking—and 2024 was no exception. Take a look at just some of the activities the corps had their hand in last year.
Jennifer Perkins, ADAPT (Anger and Domestic Abuse Prevent and Treatment) supervisor in Domestic and Sexual Violence Services, was recently appointed to the Virginia Batterer Intervention Program Certification Board. Board members work collaboratively as a multidisciplinary independent organization to oversee the certification process for batterer intervention programs in Virginia. Learn more about what this board does and how Jennifer plans to use her term to help end domestic violence.
DSVS supports individuals and their families who have been impacted by domestic and sexual violence, human trafficking, and stalking. January is both Human Trafficking Awareness Month and Stalking Awareness Month. In light of this, we invite you to take a look at Sex Trafficking in Plain Sight, The Face of Human Trafficking, and Stalking: Context Is Key
“Every one of us can make a contribution. And quite often we are looking for the big things and forget that, wherever we are, we can make a contribution ... just imagine what's happening if there are billions of people out there doing something. Just imagine the power of what we can do.” –Wangari Maathiai
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.
Fairfax County’s Health Department Partners with Domestic and Sexual Violence Services to Help Heal Those Impacted by Interpersonal Violence
As part of Fairfax County’s Health and Human Services system, the Health Department strives to keep all county residents living in thriving communities where everyone has the opportunity to be healthy, safe, and realize their potential. But too many might not be aware that this mandate also includes working hand in hand with the Domestic and Sexual Violence Services division of the Department of Family Services. So, Volunteer Voices recently sat down with Joanna Hemmat, assistant director in the Health Services Division, to talk about how these two entities team up to eliminate the public health scourge of interpersonal violence. Learn more about this partnership.
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.
The Rest Revolution by Amanda M. Littlejohn
Meet Kendra Lee, Hospital Accompaniment Support Advocate
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Kristina Westernik, Deanna Velsaco, and Amal Gohar on day one of a two-day Domestic and Sexual Violence 24-Hour Hotline training facilitated by DSVS’ Lynne Rowson and Ana Hernandez.