Domestic Violence Resources Available as Calls for Assistance Rise

Recent trends suggest a rise in cases of interpersonal violence, including more severe cases like those involving strangulation and weapons, particularly over the past two years while the county has been living through the COVID-19 pandemic. During the first quarter of 2022, our Department of Family Services’ Domestic and Sexual Violence Services (DSVS) division has seen this trend in real time through its Domestic and Sexual Violence 24-Hour Hotline, which has recorded an uptick in the number of domestic violence calls it receives. 

The fact is intimate partner violence occurs no matter what else is happening in the world. And DSVS stands ready to help.

“We are here 24/7, regardless of our hotline numbers and trends,” says Keesha Coke, program manager, Community Engagement Services, in Domestic and Sexual Violence Services. “Call us anytime – day or night, weekdays, weekends or holidays. We support victims of domestic and sexual violence, stalking and human trafficking; family and friends of victims; individuals who use violence to harm; and professionals working with victims and persons who use violence to harm."

9 Domestic Violence Resources

DSVS offers a wealth of resources and support for people affected by gender-based violence. For more information, call our Domestic and Sexual Violence 24-Hour Hotline at 703-360-7273, or visit:

1. Domestic and Sexual Violence Services offers compassionate and comprehensive state-accredited programs for women, men, teens and children who have been affected by domestic and sexual violence, stalking and human trafficking.
2. Domestic Violence Action Center (DVAC) provides culturally responsive information and support services for victims of domestic and sexual violence, stalking and human sex trafficking and their families. DVAC also promotes the accountability of those who have caused harm through these crimes with specialized prosecution and supervision.
3. Advocacy Services increases client safety through enhanced knowledge and understanding of available resources and options to provide support to clients in accessing appropriate resources.
4. Anger & Domestic Abuse Prevention and Treatment is an 18-week state-certified domestic violence intervention program that utilizes a compassionate approach to teach emotional regulation skills to adult residents of Fairfax County.
5. Counseling Services offers short-term services to victims or family member that have experienced domestic or sexual violence, stalking, teen dating violence or human trafficking.
6. Housing and Economic Support provides information to help survivors understand housing options and budgeting and credit repair. 
7. Hospital Accompaniment provides advocates to offer emotional support and information about options to victims seeking medical attention after a domestic or sexual violence incident.
8. Safety Planning is thinking ahead and acting in a way that can increase safety and the safety of loved ones, whether a victim decides to stay in or leave an abusive relationship.
9. Shelter Options, temporary safe housing available to victims of domestic and sexual violence, stalking and human trafficking, offer a secure environment while victims figure out next steps and make longer-term living arrangements as they recover from trauma.