Welcome to the 2026 January issue of Volunteer Voices, a monthly newsletter for current and potential Domestic and Sexual Violence Services (DSVS) volunteers.

In this Issue:

January is Human Trafficking Awareness Month in the United States, and in my role as the Human Trafficking and Sexual Violence coordinator, I bring together key stakeholders in Fairfax County (like you!) to participate in this important campaign.

It might seem confusing why we need an awareness month for this crime; after all, there’s been so many high-profile cases in the media lately right?! Well, educating teachers, parents, healthcare providers, law enforcement, and more allowed many of the victims we work with to be identified and receive help in the first place.

Many people don’t know the first comprehensive federal law addressing human trafficking was only passed in 2000 and Virginia did not legally define and criminalize sex trafficking until 2015. With the average age in Fairfax County being 38 years old, that means these laws didn’t exist when most of us were born! 

So of course, the language and laws are still new and most of us still have a lot to learn, including responders, community members, and even victims themselves. We’re so proud to be part of the team working toward the goal of supporting survivors of human trafficking here in Fairfax County and we’d love for you to join us at the proclamation at the Government Center, at the Annual Training led by key experts on January 15, or on social media by posting a picture for wear Blue Day on January 11. 

Can’t wait,
Victoria

10 Health Benefits of Meditation

One great way to practice self-care is to add meditation to your repertoire. And there is an added benefit: better health. A number of studies show meditating regularly can make you healthier in lots of ways, including improved memory, lower blood pressure and less anxiety. Find out more about how meditating can give you a health boost. Learn more.

Human trafficking is the control and exploitation of another person's labor or commercial sex work by force, fraud, or coercion. Forcing someone to engage in commercial sex work against their will is a form of sexual violence. Commercial sexual exploitation includes using force, fraud, or coercion to facilitate the exchange of sex acts for anything of value, including money, drugs, or basic needs such as food, clothing, or shelter. Get more information about this crime and learn how DSVS is observing the month. And check out this County Conversation podcast with Stacy Ziebell, program manager of DSVS’ Prevention, Education, and Coordination team, where she discusses human trafficking misconceptions, gaps in service, and resources and support with host Jim Person.

Safety planning is key to helping domestic violence survivors feel secure. Both emotional and physical safety planning are essential and interconnected. But even after physical safety is established, emotional wounds may linger. Survivors often say emotional safety planning helps them heal, rebuild trust, and regain independence long after the danger has passed. Check out what emotional safety planning looks like.
 

Legal definitions of stalking vary between jurisdictions, but a good working definition of stalking is: A pattern of repeated, unwanted contact directed at a person that makes them fear for their safety or the safety of others, or suffer substantial emotional distress. It is a crime in all 50 states and Washington, D.C. Learn more about stalking and how DSVS is observing the month.

Happy New Year! All of us at Domestic and Sexual Violence Services have been so grateful for the work of our volunteers in 2025. Looking back at the support provided last year is inspiring. Looking ahead: There is still lots of work to do in 2026! 

Many people make new year’s resolutions. For many, January offers a time to reflect and motivate. However, we don’t always have to wait for the calendar to change to make a change ourselves or in our community. Watch this talk, Why I Celebrate New Year on September 1st, about how we can re-frame time to make a difference all year round. 
 

“Volunteers are the only human beings on the planet who reflect this nation’s compassion, unselfish caring, patience, and just plain love for one another.” – Ernie McClintock
 

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.
 

“No day is ever the same in my world, as with so many of our DSVS programs,” says Brittany Vera, child witness to domestic violence coordinator. “I lead the Step Up 4 Kids Coalition, the county’s coordinated community response to children who experience domestic violence. I convene workgroups to support the work of the Coalition, focusing on training professionals, educating the community about the impact of domestic violence on kids, and much more! I also supervise the fantastic Children and Youth Services Unit within the Prevention, Education, and Coordination (PEC) Team. This small but mighty unit focuses on multiple teen dating violence prevention efforts with youth. Working with youth means getting creative and learning what teens need; sometimes they even tell us what they need so we don’t have to guess! 

“I facilitate trainings between Domestic Violence Tier One, Sexual Violence Tier One, and other requests we receive throughout the year from partners and community members. I support workgroups for the Council to End Domestic Violence (CEDV), focused on increasing access for victims to the justice system. I love being able to work with professionals and community members in DSVS and across systems to be able to create programs or services that meet the needs of the community! There is never a dull moment in a day!”