Department of Family Services – Domestic and Sexual Violence Services

CONTACT INFORMATION: Monday–Friday 8 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
703-324-5730 TTY 711
12011 Government Center Parkway, Pennino Building, Floor 7, Suite 740
Fairfax, VA 22035
Keesha Coke
Director

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Domestic and Sexual Violence Services Volunteers

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Domestic and Sexual Violence 24-Hour Hotline 703-360-7273; TTY 711

exit website button circle  SAFETY ALERT – If you are in danger, call or text 911.

Volunteers are an integral part of our mission to prevent and end domestic and sexual violence, stalking, and human trafficking by fostering a community based on equality and mutual respect through prevention and intervention, community engagement, and awareness, policy and advocacy. We could not do the work we do without help from our volunteers.

Our volunteers:

  • Provide crisis intervention, emotional support, and information and referrals to callers of our 24-hour domestic and sexual violence hotline;
  • Serve as co-facilitators for our 18-week, certified domestic violence intervention program for perpetrators of domestic violence;
  • Provide hospital accompaniment services;
  • Assist with various tabling and outreach events; and
  • Complete administrative tasks and provide front desk support.

Join the team!

You can make a difference in our community by sharing your time and talents. Our goal is to make your volunteer experience fulfilling and meaningful. The Domestic & Sexual Violence Services (DSVS) utilizes volunteers in a variety of positions and has created a program that not only helps us meet the needs of our community but is also flexible enough to meet the needs of today’s volunteer.

We have opportunities for those who want to support clients directly and other work that can support our agency’s operations. Our volunteer opportunities range from one-day special projects to long-term commitments with evening and weekend shifts available. Group/corporate volunteer opportunities where you can serve with your family, friends, or coworkers; this is a good option for those wishing to volunteer with individuals under the age of 21. Additionally, you could choose to serve as a Hotline Advocate from the convenience of your own home.

Volunteers come from diverse backgrounds and bring a wide array of skills to DSVS. Whether you have a few hours or a few days, we are grateful for your time.

Volunteers’ skills and talents play an important role in helping us create communities where everyone can live free of violence.

Volunteers’ dedication and reliability instills quality into our programs and services.

Volunteers’ gifts of time teaches our children and youth the importance of giving back to our community.

Volunteers strengthen our communities.

Help victims of violence: As a volunteer, you will help us to provide support and promote justice for victims of violence, their families and communities.

Work from convenient locations: We have an array of services in the various regions of the county, which means volunteer activities are most likely available in locations close to where you live, work, or go to school.

Gain skills: Volunteering affords you an opportunity to build or enhance your skill set in a meaningful field of work. Our volunteers and staff come from diverse backgrounds and are eager to share their specialized knowledge and experience.

Network and develop friendships: As a volunteer, you have access to a staff from other organizations offering ample opportunities to establish professional connections. Additionally, you have the opportunity to join a community of passionate people who enjoy helping others. You may develop lifelong friendships.

Information and regular in-services to carry out your volunteer role.

Ongoing support and supervision by your On-Site Supervisor and the Volunteer Services Manager.

Our Volunteer Services Manager is committed to a set of core ethical values: philanthropy, respect, responsibility, compassion and generosity, justice and fairness, and trustworthiness.

A professional and team-oriented environment.

Recognition for your volunteer service.

Select a volunteer role best suited to your interests, talents, and schedule.

Be dependable.

Record hours contributed in the online Volunteer Management System.

Complete documentation of work through online data system.

Be respectful of the confidentiality and sensitivity of client’s needs. A breach of confidentiality will result in termination of your position.

Follow the County’s Code of Ethics and program’s policies and procedures.

Participate in all required trainings and in-services.

Work With Clients (Direct Service)

  • ADAPT Co-Facilitator
  • Court Accompaniment Advocate
  • Hospital Accompaniment Advocate
  • Hotline Advocate

Work Behind the Scenes

  • Community Ambassador
  • Data Analyst/Entry Assistant
  • Office Assistant
  • Special Projects/Days of Service

Please contact Caroline Croghan. 

1. After attending a volunteer orientation, please complete this online Volunteer Application.

2. The Volunteer Services Coordinator or designee will contact you to set up an interview.

3. Complete a face-to-face interview with the Volunteer Services Coordinator and a staff member from the program you wish to volunteer.

4. Complete a criminal background application. All volunteers are required to complete a background check to the satisfaction of the County.

5. Complete the foundational training, Tier One, as appropriate.

6. Complete role-specific training.

7. Complete confidentiality forms. All volunteers are required to complete these forms for the safety of our Office and the protection of those we serve.

8. Upon satisfactory completion of all the steps, you will receive a letter welcoming you to the program, which will contain details about your position and volunteer badges.

9. Start your opportunity!

ADAPT Co-Facilitator: Presents educational material from the Core Values Workshop’s curriculum, review clients' homework and perform other group management responsibilities. Groups meet once a week at a specified location.

Community Ambassador: Assist with outreach activities, such as local tabling events- community resource fairs, back to school nights, etc. Help us promote healthy relationships and share information about our programs and services. Some events are in the evening or during weekends. In addition, we often need help with distributing informational materials to community establishments.

Court Accompaniment Advocate: Provides clients with emotional support and information about the court process in order to prepare them for their role in petitioning for a PPO, either through the affidavit or the ex parte hearing, and may accompany clients to hearings.

Data Analyst/Entry Assistant: Assists in developing data collection systems and other strategies that optimize efficiency and data accuracy. Acquires data from sources within the agency. Analyzes numbers and turns them into useful information for decision-makers, includes data entry and reporting responsibilities.

Hospital Accompaniment Advocate: Responds to Inova Fairfax hospital to accompany victims of intimate partner violence or sexual violence who are receiving a forensic evidence collection exam. Advocates are called to provide emotional support for the victim in a time of crisis and provide referrals and information as needed.

Hotline Counselor: Provides crisis intervention and supportive counseling for callers to our 24-hour domestic and sexual violence hotline. Hotline Counselors also provide referrals to medical, legal, shelter and social service support assistance.

Office Assistant: Assists with providing front-desk coverage and other administrative tasks, such as filing, making phone calls, preparing materials for clients and staff, etc.

Special Projects/Days of Service: A variety of special projects like assembling materials for our programs, organizing donations, etc. Days of service like assisting with events during Domestic Violence Awareness Month (October), Sexual Assault Awareness Month (April), and/or Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month (February). You can also help with the Domestic Violence Network Annual Meeting (October). This is a great way to get involved without making a regular, long-term commitment. Find out how you and your family or friends can help.

At DSVS, we recognize the importance of volunteers; many of our key services depend upon them. That’s why we provide training, continuous educational opportunities and support.

Orientation: We recommend anyone considering joining the team of DSVS volunteers attend one of our orientation sessions. It is our goal that every prospective volunteer will leave the session with a good sense of our philosophy, mission, vision, and values; clear expectations about volunteer opportunities; impact of volunteer roles; and next steps to becoming a volunteer. Check our calendar for specific dates and locations.

Training Information: Our training is comprehensive and prepares applicants to become a DSVS volunteer. While volunteers working behind the scenes and teen volunteers are not required to attend the core training, all prospective direct-service volunteers must complete an initial 32-hour training prior to working with clients. The foundational training, Tier One, is typically held in September and March, over 2 consecutive Saturdays. It covers the dynamics of domestic violence and sexual assault, legal aspects of family violence, reflective listening, cultural competence, our system’s response to domestic and sexual violence, and much more. This is followed by training for the specific role, Hotline Counselor, ADAPT Co-Facilitator, etc. Training requirements for other opportunities vary and are outlined in the county’s online Volunteer Management System.

Group Volunteers: Businesses, organizations, teams and families are encouraged to volunteer with special projects. One person needs to serve as the leader for the group and complete a background check. Training is not required; however, orientation for the task will be provided.

Teen Volunteers: Looking to build awareness at your school? Host a performance; help us collect old cell phones; or participate in a special project. Training and a background check is not required; however, you will need an adult to oversee your work. This is a great opportunity for students interested in community advocacy.

Time Commitment: DSVS asks volunteers to commit to at least one year of service after training. ADAPT volunteers give between 8 and 10 hours per month; Hotline volunteers give 6 or 12 hours each month.

Our volunteers are people just like you willing to make a difference in their community.


To learn about volunteer opportunities, contact Caroline Croghan, volunteer manager. 

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