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Fairfax County, Virginia
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Department of Family Services

  1. Home
  2. Family Services
  3. April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month – Start By Believing Day

Department of Family Services Alert:

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

Department Resources

  • Domestic and Sexual Violence Services Homepage
  • April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month
  • ADAPT: Anger & Domestic Abuse Prevention & Treatment Program
  • Awareness About Domestic and Sexual Violence
  • About DSVS
  • DSVS - Community Engagement Toolkit
  • Domestic Violence Action Center (DVAC)
  • Advocacy Services
  • Clinical Services
    • Anger & Domestic Abuse Prevention & Treatment Program (ADAPT)
    • Counseling Services
  • Commission for Women
  • Council to End Domestic Violence
  • Domestic Violence
  • Domestic and Sexual Violence 24-Hour Hotline
  • Outreach and Education Services
  • Resilient Kids, Thriving Families
  • Sexual Violence
    • Sexual Violence
    • Emotional Support
    • Hospital Accompaniment
    • Secondary Survivors
    • Sexual Harassment
    • Title IX
    • Triggers
  • Shelter Options
  • Step Up 4 Kids
    • Step Up 4 Kids (SU4K)
    • SU4K - Community Engagement Toolkit
  • Teen Dating Violence
  • Volunteer Voices Newsletter
  • Ways You Can Help
    • Ways You Can Help - Donate
    • Ways You Can Help - Volunteer
  • January is Human Trafficking Awareness Month
  • January is Stalking Awareness Month
  • February is Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month
  • October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month

Related Resources

  • Community Corner
  • Family Services
  • Health and Human Services
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April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month – Start By Believing Day

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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.


 

Most victims of sexual violence don’t report the crime. Many never tell anyone what has happened to them. Because so few assaults are reported and the crimes are never prosecuted, survivors don’t get the help they need or the justice they deserve. We must end this cycle of silence. Everyone—professionals, community members, the criminal justice system, and other allies—can help when they start by believing.

Start by Believing is a public awareness and action campaign designed by End Violence Against Women International to end the cycle of silence and change the way we respond to sexual assault, domestic violence, stalking, and child sexual abuse. Thousands of people around the world have made their own personal commitment to Start by Believing. This includes ordinary people like you. The campaign encourages individuals, organizations, and communities to communicate the critical message to survivors: “We hear you, we support you, and we will Start by Believing” on Wednesday, Apr. 1, 2026. Use the images below to help raise awareness.

Follow these quick and easy steps to download a file to your computer:

  1. Click on the graphic.
  2. After it opens, right-click on the graphic and select to save the file.

   

 


Learn about the Department of Family Services' Domestic and Sexual Violence Services (DSVS).

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