Domestic Violence Resources Available as Survivor Needs Change

Domestic violence happens everyday in our community. While October traditionally highlights this issue as Domestic Violence Awareness Month, our Department of Family Services' Domestic and Sexual Violence Services is working to spread awareness throughout the entire year.

The county has resources available to help those in need. DSVS 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.  

Help is Always a Phone Call Away

If you are in immediate danger, call or text 911. 

If you or someone you know is experiencing abuse, call the Domestic and Sexual Violence 24-Hour Hotline at 703-360-7273. Hotline advocates are available to help residents and can provide support in more than 140 languages. These services are provided to all, regardless of race, ethnicity, religion, immigration status, sexual orientation, gender or gender identity.  

Our trained advocates understand the complex issues involved with domestic violence, sexual violence, stalking and human trafficking. Services include:

• Crisis support
• Information and referral
• Options counseling
• Safety planning

Recent Trends

Recent trends suggest a rise in more severe cases of interpersonal violence — such as those involving strangulation and weapons — and an increase in need for several forms of support, particularly since COVID-19 pandemic funding ended.

"People aren’t calling with one need,” says Andrea Nunes-Gardner, program manager, Crisis Response Services, in Domestic and Sexual Violence Services. “They are calling asking for shelter and counseling — and also resources around food, rent, and basic needs, like diapers and formula. Or they need legal and immigration assistance, as well as support during a divorce."

Intimate partner violence occurs no matter what else is happening in the world, and DSVS is ready to help.

“We are here 24/7,” says Nunes-Gardner. “Call us anytime — day or night, weekdays, weekends and holidays. We provide customer-driven services, crisis support, information, safety planning and referrals to victims of domestic and sexual violence, stalking and human trafficking, as well as to families and friends of those impacted by these forms of violence."

More Domestic Violence Resources

The county offers numerous resources and support services for people affected by gender-based violence:

• Domestic Violence Action Center provides culturally responsive information and support services for victims of domestic and sexual violence, stalking and human sex trafficking and their families. The center also promotes the accountability of those who have caused harm through these crimes with specialized prosecution and supervision.
• Advocacy Services increases client safety through enhanced knowledge and understanding of available resources and options to provide support to clients in accessing appropriate resources.
• Anger & Domestic Abuse Prevention and Treatment is an 18-week, state-certified domestic violence intervention program that uses a compassionate approach to teach emotional regulation skills to the county’s adult residents.
• 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.
• Housing and Economic Support provides information to help survivors understand housing options, budgeting and credit repair. 
• Hospital Accompaniment provides advocates to offer emotional support and information about options to victims seeking medical attention after a domestic or sexual violence incident.
• 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.
• Shelter Options are available as temporary safe housing and offer a secure environment while victims figure out next steps and make longer-term living arrangements.
• PetHaven Program offers pet owners who need to get out of bad situation short-term, temporary care for their pets. The Animal Shelter provides a safe place for pets quickly, as well as food, veterinary care and supplies.
• Unscripted: Conversations about Sexual and Domestic Violence is a podcast featuring employees and subject matter experts from DSVS and partner organizations discussing all aspects of interpersonal violence, while providing prevention strategies, solutions and resources that support county residents.