(Posted 2026 January)
Meet Kadidia Zabsonre Ouedraogo, Hotline Volunteer
Tell us a little about yourself. What is your professional background?
My name is Kadidia Zabsonre Ouedraogo, and I speak French and English. I received professional training as a human rights advisor after my bachelor’s in law studies. I graduated with a master’s in public policy from George Mason University in May 2024. I have worked for six years teaching and educating community members and other professional groups about human rights, inclusion, and diversity in Burkina Faso. Also, the different positions I have had in the U.S. since 2015 have given me excellent skills and credentials as a specialist in human trafficking, stalking, domestic and sexual violence, victims advocacy, and case management.
During covid, I worked as a case investigator for Alexandria Health Department assisting community members with isolation, quarantine, and immunizations guidance and with food, shelters, and employment resources. After the pandemic, I worked for Polaris, operating the National Human Trafficking Hotline as an anti-trafficking advocate. I supported victims of sex trafficking and labor trafficking with resources such as shelter, mental health, illicit substance addiction treatment, and legal counseling.
I’m currently in a part-time position with Virginia Statewide Domestic and Sexual Violence Crisis Response Line. In this role I’m working with passionate teammates to support victims and survivors with local resources. In September 2025, I started volunteering with Fairfax County Domestic and Sexual Violence Services (DSVS).
How long have you been volunteering? What led to your initial desire to volunteer and serve others?
I have been volunteering for two months but I started looking for a volunteer position with Fairfax County a year ago. I was lucky enough to get selected and trained to be a volunteer for Domestic and Sexual Violence Services.
Every human being should be treated with dignity regardless of any consideration related to their race, gender, religious beliefs, age, political affiliation, or sex and sexual orientation. This mindset has always prompted me to assist any member of my community who needs my support. My personal sense of compassion and my willingness to serve others and feeling that I’m a member of the community lead me to be willing to be a volunteer and serve the part of our community that most needs our support. The desire to make connections and understand our community needs is another key motivation. Moreover, getting trained as a volunteer constitutes some personal and professional fulfillment. Being a volunteer makes me a full part of the community or represents a way to give back to the community.
What interested you in volunteering with Fairfax County’s Domestic and Sexual Violence Services?
Through my research, I found out Fairfax County Domestic and Sexual Violence Services values: person-centered, trauma-informed, equitable, accountable, and partnership-based. I share the same values. A crisis line worker should use a victim-centered approach and work with their team and local partners and stakeholders to provide resources to the survivors without any sort of discrimination. I noticed through my research that DSVS offers volunteer training and resources for victims. This is important because it allows me to reinforce my skills and ensure county survivors and residents who contact the Hotline receive the resources they need.
What is the most challenging part of volunteering? How did you overcome this challenge?
The most challenging part of volunteering is when I receive a call from a survivor of domestic violence or sexual assault from out of state who is looking for local resources or when I receive a call from a person with unrelated needs. I know this person needs support, but they have reached the wrong number because they are out of state or they are out of scope. I overcame these challenges by getting more information on some out of state or national organizations of domestic and sexual violence. I sometimes get support from the on-call supervisors when Fairfax County residents call for local resources, and I do not have enough information on how to support them.
What’s the best part of volunteering? Share your most memorable experience.
The best part of volunteering is the fact that DSVS provides volunteers with appropriate training to take care of residents and survivors who need support. Volunteers receive a general training on domestic and sexual violence, stalking, and human trafficking. After the general training, the volunteers receive technical training on how to receive calls, on the available resources (existing shelters, legal counseling, hospital accompaniment, and trauma-informed counseling). Volunteers improve their knowledge on safety planning, lethality assessment, child and adult protective services, and data collection. The final interesting part of volunteering is being able to bring our support to the survivor in need of our available resources
What has been your favorite training? What did you like about it? What did you learn?
I would say all the training is worthwhile and interesting. During the technical training, the facilitators provided the volunteers with appropriate empathic and victim-centered support for the survivors. Facilitators were there to support us and make sure we are comfortable taking our first call before they schedule our first shift.
What are your three greatest strengths? How have you been able to display and use these strengths when serving others?
I'm a victim-centered and trauma-informed worker. I’m also flexible and a great problem solver. These strengths allow me to find time to schedule shifts and assist survivors with available resources. I use a victim-centered strategy, and I support the survivors with compassion and empathy. The fact that I’m trauma-informed is important to avoid causing secondary trauma and to better assist them.
What advice do you have for people who may be thinking about becoming a DSVS volunteer?
Not to hesitate. Visit the DSVS website and reach out to the [Caroline] to apply. Our community needs our support to protect the most vulnerable members.
What do you wish you could do more of as a volunteer?
I wish I could get more available time to schedule shifts and more training on individual and group counseling sessions and hospital accompaniments.
What are some of your hobbies and interests?
Listening to music, engaging in a family sport such as walking, and watching movies with my family.
This article posting is part of the Domestic and Sexual Violence Services' Volunteer Voices monthly newsletter for current and potential volunteers. If you're not already a volunteer, learn how to get involved. Find out about upcoming trainings, volunteer trainings, happenings around the DSVS office and information about articles, books, media recommendations and more.
Learn more about the Domestic and Sexual Violence Services (DSVS).