Department of Family Services

CONTACT INFORMATION: Monday–Friday 8 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
703-324-7500 TTY 711
12011 Government Center Parkway, Pennino Building
Fairfax, VA 22035
Michael A. Becketts
Director

Department Resources

Related Resources

Awareness About Domestic and Sexual Violence

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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.

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Preventing gender-based violence requires steps to stop violence and abuse from happening in the first place by interrupting the cultural rules, norms, and constructs that support it.

Social change happens when communities are equipped with a better awareness about the issue and understanding of the actions it takes to get there. This equation is solved when individuals, families, communities, and institutions have access to knowledge and tools.

Events and Training

See how Fairfax County and Domestic and Sexual Violence Services acknowledges the work the division does to raise awareness through a series of trainings and events.

Sexual Violence Tier 1

Sexual Violence Tier 1 (Fall 2025)Saturdays, Sept. 13 & 20, 2025
8 a.m.-5 p.m.
Fairfax County Health Department (Kelly Square)
10777 Main Street
Fairfax, VA 22030

Registration for the fall session of Sexual Violence Tier 1, a 16-hour training on understanding sexual violence, systems responding to sexual violence in Fairfax County, and resources available in our community, is now open. For full credit, all 16 hours of this free training must be completed. Questions? Contact Victoria Nevel-Babla. 

Domestic Violence Tier 1

Domestic Violence Tier 1 (Fall 2025)Wednesdays & Thursdays, Oct. 29-Nov. 20, 2025
6-8 p.m.
Virtual via Microsoft Teams

Registration for the fall session of Domestic Violence Tier 1, a 16-hour training on the dynamics of domestic violence, systems responding to domestic violence in Fairfax County, and resources available in our community. Questions? Contact Abby Picard. For full credit, all 16 hours must be completed. This training is free, but registration is required. 

Frequently Asked Questions – Tier One Training

Request a training for your organization. 

Information

Topics for Your Information

Domestic and Sexual Violence Services provides select education and outreach materials to increase knowledge that helps create a future with positive relationships and safer communities.

Awareness Months

desk globe six figures represent different culturesHeritage Months
Domestic and Sexual Violence Services will provide one-page fact sheets about five heritage months throughout the year, complete with information about heritage-specific organizations working on issues around gender-based violence. Look for the following fact sheets:

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LGBTQIA+ Language Guidance
Words matters! And this language guide is an excellent resource to help folks better understand terms related to sexual orientation, gender identity, and expression used in LGBTQIA+ communities. It is not exhaustive, though, and since people use language in different ways, the best practice is always to honor how an individual identifies themselves.

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